Bears are among the most challenging species to keep humanely in captivity, with well-documented welfare problems in many collections and a growing body of research identifying the conditions needed for good bear welfare in zoological settings.
Bears have the cognitive complexity, ranging instincts, and motivational depth to make them among the most welfare-demanding species in zoological collections. The stereotypic pacing seen in poorly designed bear exhibits is not a quirk of captivity but a sign of genuine psychological suffering — frustrated motivation that has no appropriate outlet redirected into purposeless repetitive movement. Modern zoo science has made significant progress in understanding what bears need: complex, unpredictable environments with extensive foraging opportunity, meaningful cognitive challenges, appropriate water access, and freedom from chronic human disturbance. Collections that cannot or will not provide these conditions should reconsider holding bears, and this should be enforced through rigorous accreditation requirements.