Sun bears are the smallest bear species and face unique welfare challenges in zoos from their highly active, omnivorous nature and complex foraging behavioral needs.
Sun bears in zoos require complex, naturalistic enclosures with climbing opportunities, substrate for digging, and extensive foraging enrichment including honey logs, termite mounds, and embedded fruit. Their intelligence and high activity levels make enrichment rotation essential to prevent boredom. The welfare contrast between zoo sun bears and those in bile farms — where animals are kept in tiny cages for years — highlights the importance of both captive welfare standards and wild population protection.