Bear welfare in zoos has improved dramatically as institutions transition from bare concrete pits to naturalistic exhibits. Understanding what bears need guides continued welfare improvement.
Bear welfare in modern zoos is substantially better than in previous generations of exhibit design, but significant variation persists between facilities. Stereotypic pacing -- once ubiquitous -- is now recognized as an indicator of psychological deprivation and is actively monitored. Large, naturalistic enclosures with complex terrain, vegetation, water features, and substrate for digging provide environments where bears can express a wider behavioral repertoire. Cognitive enrichment including puzzle feeders and novel objects is increasingly standard. Polar bear welfare remains most challenging -- the thermal and spatial requirements of this species are difficult to meet in most climates.