Bears in captivity require extensive enrichment to meet their cognitive and physical needs. Modern bear welfare has improved dramatically from historical barren pit exhibits.
Bear welfare in modern accredited zoos has improved substantially, but variation across facilities globally remains extreme. Bears in good facilities show active foraging, play, swimming, and exploration that indicates positive welfare states. Bears in inadequate facilities show stereotypic pacing and other indicators of psychological stress. Enrichment must be varied and unpredictable to maintain interest; predictable enrichment quickly becomes ineffective. Consumer choices about which facilities to visit and support drive welfare standards.