Polar bears in zoos present one of the most significant welfare challenges in captive management, with space requirements and behavioral complexity that most facilities struggle to meet adequately.
Polar bear welfare in zoos is constrained by fundamental incompatibility between the species' vast natural ranging requirements and even the largest zoo enclosures. Stereotypic behaviors affect a majority of zoo polar bears and are difficult to eliminate even with extensive enrichment programs. While enrichment including puzzle feeders, ice blocks, and varied substrates reduces stereotypy frequency, it rarely eliminates it. The conservation case for polar bear captivity is limited as captive populations contribute minimally to wild recovery. Welfare-focused assessment of polar bear programs should include honest appraisal of behavioral welfare indicators.