Brown bears in captivity frequently develop stereotypic behaviors that signal chronic welfare compromise. Their large ranging needs and high intelligence demand exceptional exhibit design.
Brown bears are among the most welfare-compromised zoo animals historically, though accredited facilities have made genuine improvements. The key welfare indicators are stereotypies: repetitive behaviors that develop in response to environments that cannot meet behavioral needs. Bears that pace endlessly or sway rhythmically are communicating welfare failure. Modern bear exhibits with dynamic food enrichment, water features, and variable substrates significantly reduce stereotypies but remain rare in lower-resourced facilities.