Sloth bears are insectivorous bears with distinctive foraging behaviours that require specific enrichment approaches in zoo settings.
Sloth bear welfare in zoo settings requires understanding of their highly specialised ecology. Their insectivorous foraging drive — digging, tearing apart termite mounds, and vacuuming up insects — is a powerful behavioural motivation that standard bear enrichment often fails to satisfy. Welfare-positive management provides opportunities to dig and forage for hidden food items, access to varied substrates, and feeding enrichment that replicates natural foraging effort. Nocturnal access to outdoor spaces supports natural activity rhythms. Rescued dancing bears — an ongoing welfare crisis in parts of South Asia — often arrive at sanctuaries with severe physical and psychological injuries requiring specialised long-term rehabilitation.