Sloth bears are specialist insectivores with unique behavioral needs that are challenging to meet in zoo environments without dedicated species-specific approaches.
Sloth bear welfare in zoos requires understanding a behavioral ecology quite different from more commonly housed bear species. Their specialized food-obtaining behaviors — powerful digging, vacuum-like suction feeding on insects — cannot be replicated in simple food presentation. Without opportunities to dig, search, and extract food through their specialized behavioral repertoire, sloth bears are unable to express their most fundamental foraging motivations. For rescued dancing bears with trauma histories, additional care is needed to provide safe spaces, minimize triggers, and build positive associations through patient keeper relationships. High-welfare sloth bear management involves deeply substrate-embedded food, regular digging opportunities, solitary housing respecting their natural asocial tendencies, and individualized enrichment plans.