Sun bears are the smallest bear species and face unique welfare challenges in captivity. Understanding their natural behaviours guides better zoo management.
Sun bears present specific challenges in zoo settings because of their highly specialised foraging behaviours and need for arboreal complexity. Inadequate enclosure design that lacks climbing structures, digging opportunities, and varied substrate leads to chronic boredom and stress-related stereotypies. Enrichment for sun bears must simulate their natural honey-seeking and insect-foraging behaviours through puzzle feeders, hidden food items, and varied textures. Social housing requires careful management as they are semi-solitary in the wild.