Sun bears are the smallest bear species and among the least studied. Their welfare in captivity depends on tropical environmental conditions, arboreal opportunities, and foraging complexity.
Sun bear welfare in zoos is challenged by the mismatch between their tropical forest habitat requirements and the predominantly temperate locations of major zoo collections. Temperature, humidity, and structural complexity all differ substantially from natural conditions. Their highly motivated foraging behavior — using powerful claws to tear apart wood for insects and honey — requires enrichment that goes beyond standard bear provision. Stereotypic weaving in sun bears, well documented across zoo populations, indicates that standard bear exhibits typically fail to meet their behavioral needs.