Bears in zoo settings have historically suffered poor welfare from barren environments and repetitive stereotypic behaviours, but significant advances in housing design and enrichment have improved their lives.
Zoo bear welfare has improved significantly in modern facilities, but the legacy of historically poor housing (concrete dens, isolation, barren conditions) persists in animals that developed stereotypies before better conditions were available. Welfare assessment in bears should go beyond stereotypy absence to include activity budget, foraging opportunity, and positive affective state indicators. Zoos with bears should commit to ongoing enrichment innovation, appropriate social housing where possible, and honest welfare assessment rather than simply defending current conditions.