Behavioural diversity is a key welfare indicator for captive polar bears, and enrichment programmes that promote varied natural behaviours improve welfare outcomes in zoo populations.
Behavioural diversity in captive polar bears is a direct indicator of welfare quality. Bears performing extensive stereotypic behaviour are in poorer welfare states than bears exhibiting varied, natural behaviours. Enrichment that promotes swimming, play, digging, and investigative behaviour replaces stereotypic time with positive engagement. The welfare benefit of enrichment investment is measurable and significant. Facilities that document daily behavioural diversity and adapt enrichment programmes based on observed response demonstrate welfare-centred management. However, even the best enrichment cannot fully compensate for the fundamental limitation of captivity for a wide-ranging Arctic species.