Large predatory species including lions, tigers, polar bears, and wolves face particular welfare challenges in zoos due to their extensive natural ranging behaviour and prey-capture drives.
Large predators in zoos face a fundamental welfare tension: their ranging and hunting behaviours evolved across vast territories, which no zoo can replicate. Stereotypic pacing, often seen in big cats and polar bears, reflects frustrated motivation systems rather than contentment. Enrichment can reduce but not eliminate these welfare gaps. The welfare case for restricting display of large predators to only those animals that cannot be released to sanctuaries or conservation reserves is increasingly strong.