Polar bears in zoos face profound challenges because their physiological adaptations to Arctic environments are difficult to replicate in captivity, creating significant welfare concerns.
Polar bears face exceptional welfare challenges in captivity. Their natural environment — the Arctic sea ice — cannot be replicated, and the physiological and behavioral adaptations that make them remarkable wild animals become sources of suffering in zoo settings. Stereotypic pacing, which can occupy hours of a captive polar bear day, reflects profound welfare compromise. Some modern zoos have invested in large, cold, complex exhibits with deep pools that partially address these needs, but many experts argue that no zoo environment can adequately meet polar bear welfare requirements.