Brown bears are wide-ranging omnivores with complex seasonal behavioural patterns. Providing adequate welfare in zoo settings requires large, varied environments that accommodate foraging, denning, and hibernation needs.
Brown bear welfare in traditional zoo enclosures has historically been poor. Concrete enclosures, small pools, and barren environments produce stereotypic behaviour that reflects chronic frustration of natural motivations. Bears are highly motivated to forage across varied terrain, engage in hyperphagia seasonally, and den in winter — zoo environments that prevent these behaviours create measurable psychological distress. Modern best-practice exhibits provide multiple hectares, varied topography, natural substrates, water features, complex foraging enrichment, and the option to hibernate. The contrast in behaviour between bears in enriched and barren settings is dramatic. Substandard bear exhibits should prompt welfare advocacy and institutional pressure for improvement.