Bears in zoo environments present complex welfare challenges due to their intelligence, large home ranges, and behavioural flexibility that demands stimulating and naturalistic environments.
Bears housed in barren enclosures develop persistent stereotypies reflecting poor psychological welfare. Even modern naturalistic exhibits may fail to meet the full cognitive needs of highly intelligent animals. Regular evaluation using validated welfare assessment tools, combined with dynamic enrichment programmes providing novelty and challenge, is essential. Keepers with strong animal-specific knowledge make the greatest welfare difference.