Sun bears are the smallest bear species and face significant welfare challenges in captivity, compounded by threats from deforestation and the bile farming industry.
Sun bear welfare encompasses both captive zoo welfare and the ongoing crisis of bile farming in Asia. Bears held in bile farms endure among the most severe chronic suffering inflicted on any captive animal — implanted metal catheters cause constant pain, infection and misery over years of extraction. Zoo sun bear welfare requires warm, naturalistic habitats with tree climbing opportunities, enrichment and appropriate social management. Rehabilitation of rescued bile bears requires specialist behavioral and medical care. Both advocacy against bile farming and support for rescue organizations are important welfare actions.