How group housing for sun bears in zoos can be managed safely to improve welfare while accommodating their semi-solitary nature.
Sun bear social housing welfare requires navigating the species semi-solitary nature carefully. While wild sun bears are not highly social, they do tolerate others and benefit from social contact when managed appropriately. Compatible pairs or small groups with adequate space and multiple resources including food stations and resting areas show welfare benefits compared to isolation. Introductions require careful management and monitoring, and keepers must watch for signs of incompatibility that warrant separation. The welfare benefits of compatible grouping are significant, justifying the management investment.