Zoo Animals

Zoo Polar Bear Welfare

Polar bears in captivity often develop stereotypic behaviours reflecting the mismatch between their vast natural range and zoo enclosures.

Key Facts

Wild polar bears can travel over 300,000 square kilometres over a lifetime
Stereotypic pacing in zoo polar bears is extremely common and reflects chronic stress
Modern polar bear exhibits incorporate pools, climbing structures, and foraging enrichment
Several major zoos have phased out polar bears following welfare assessments
Climate change makes polar bear conservation increasingly urgent and complex

Welfare Considerations

Polar bear welfare in captivity is severely compromised by the fundamental mismatch between their natural ranging needs and any feasible captive environment. Phasing out polar bear keeping is increasingly recognised as the welfare-positive direction.

What You Can Do

Support zoos that have made welfare-based decisions to phase out polar bear keeping
Advocate for polar bear welfare as part of zoo licensing standards
Engage with climate action as the most important intervention for wild polar bears
Learn about rewilding and conservation efforts for polar bears in their natural habitat
Support research into polar bear welfare indicators in both wild and captive settings