Polar bears present unique welfare challenges in zoo settings, particularly in warm-climate facilities where climate control, behavioral complexity, and cognitive stimulation are critical.
Polar bear welfare is one of the most challenging areas in zoo animal care. The species is highly adapted for an extreme environment — vast, variable sea ice — that cannot be replicated in captivity. Stereotypic pacing, a well-recognized welfare indicator, is pervasive in zoo polar bears globally and reflects the mismatch between their behavioral needs and what captivity provides. Some leading zoos have moved to no longer acquiring polar bears for display. For existing collections, comprehensive enrichment programs (food caching, water play, varied substrates, naturalistic landscapes), climate management, and social housing where appropriate are essential. Conservation value for ex-situ polar bear programs is limited given the species' dependence on sea ice — in-situ climate action is the priority.