Bears in zoos show high rates of stereotypic pacing when housed inadequately, but welfare-positive facilities demonstrate that bears can thrive in captivity with appropriate conditions.
Bear stereotypy is one of the clearest welfare indicators in zoo settings - repetitive pacing along a fixed route indicates significant psychological deprivation. Bears in exhibits with complex terrain, foraging opportunities, and unpredictable food delivery show dramatically lower stereotypy rates than those in bare concrete exhibits. The welfare case for captive bears requires genuinely large, complex spaces with seasonal variation, hibernation opportunity, and enrichment matching cognitive complexity. Facilities unable to provide adequate bear welfare should not exhibit bears.