Zoo Polar Bear Welfare and Climate Concerns

Polar bears in zoos face welfare challenges compounded by climate change threatening their wild Arctic habitat.

Key Facts

Polar bears are one of the most welfare-challenging species in zoos, with high stereotypy rates in inadequate facilities
Wild polar bears have ranges of up to 600,000 square kilometers — a contrast impossible to bridge in captivity
Climate change is transforming the Arctic, reducing sea ice and affecting the ecological foundation of polar bear survival
Many zoos are phasing out polar bears, recognizing that welfare standards cannot be met in temperate climates
Behavioral enrichment including ice, puzzles, and swimming opportunities mitigates but cannot eliminate welfare deficits

Welfare Considerations

Polar bears represent one of the most difficult welfare cases in zoological institutions. The gap between their natural ranging behavior across Arctic sea ice and captive conditions is arguably unbridgeable. Many leading zoos have concluded that polar bears cannot be maintained in welfare-positive conditions and are phasing out their programs. This honest welfare assessment reflects institutional commitment to animal wellbeing over the appeal of iconic displays.

What You Can Do

Support zoos that are responsibly phasing out polar bear exhibits rather than maintaining inadequate facilities
Learn about the climate threats to wild polar bears and the urgency of emissions reduction
Support Arctic conservation programs and Indigenous community-based monitoring
Oppose facilities maintaining polar bears in clearly inadequate conditions
Engage with the honest conversation about which species can and cannot be maintained ethically in zoos