Bears in captivity have extensive natural territories and behavioral repertoires that standard zoo enclosures rarely accommodate. Welfare-focused bear keeping requires significant investment.
Bears are among the most challenging species to keep well in captivity because their natural behavior is so space-extensive and cognitively demanding. A bear in an inadequate exhibit develops stereotypic pacing that becomes self-maintaining once established, regardless of later improvements to the environment. Welfare-focused bear keeping requires large naturalistic enclosures with varied terrain, extensive foraging enrichment requiring problem-solving, social grouping appropriate to species ecology, and hibernation opportunities for species that den. The standard of care varies enormously between facilities, and welfare auditing of bear exhibits is essential.