Bears are wide-ranging, intelligent omnivores whose welfare in zoo settings depends heavily on space, foraging enrichment, and social management. Many facilities struggle to meet their complex needs.
Bear welfare in traditional zoo exhibits is frequently poor. The prevalence of pacing stereotypies in zoo bears is well-documented and reflects chronic frustration of ranging and foraging needs that cannot be met in limited enclosures. Polar bears are particularly problematic — their requirement for vast, cognitively complex environments is essentially incompatible with zoo keeping. Sun bears and sloth bears fare better in enriched naturalistic exhibits but still show behavioral indicators of welfare deficits in many facilities. Best practice involves large naturalistic enclosures with varied substrate, water access, complex foraging opportunities including food scatter and puzzle feeders, and seasonal changes that mirror natural activity patterns. Many welfare scientists question whether large-brained, wide-ranging bears can achieve adequate welfare in zoo settings regardless of enrichment.