Sun bears are the smallest bear species and among the least studied in zoo settings. Their specific behavioural needs and conservation status make their management particularly important.
Sun bears present unique welfare challenges in zoo settings because their arboreal lifestyle and specialised foraging needs are often inadequately accommodated. Well-designed enclosures must provide climbing structures at multiple heights, bark and log substrates for insect foraging, and enrichment that allows expression of their extraordinary tongue-based foraging behaviour. Their solitary nature means careful management of any conspecific housing. In the context of bear bile farming — one of the most egregious welfare crises in the region — zoo and sanctuary populations of sun bears serve as important ambassadors for the species. Organisations like Free the Bears rescue bears from bile farms and provide lifetime sanctuary care.