How zoos address the complex welfare needs of polar bears in captive environments.
Polar bears present one of the most significant welfare challenges in modern zoos. Their large natural home ranges, complex hunting behaviors, and high cognitive capacity are extremely difficult to meet in even the most sophisticated exhibits. Stereotypic behaviors such as pacing and head-weaving indicate chronic frustration of natural motivation systems. The zoo community is increasingly debating whether polar bears can have adequate welfare in captivity, with some institutions choosing not to keep this species.