Sun bears are intelligent, wide-ranging omnivores whose welfare in zoos requires complex foraging enrichment, space and opportunities for natural behaviour to prevent stereotypic behaviour development.
Sun bear welfare in zoos is particularly dependent on foraging enrichment because this species has evolved highly specialised feeding behaviours. A sun bear denied opportunities to probe, extract and forage experiences behavioural frustration that manifests as stereotypies - repetitive, apparently purposeless movements indicating the animal's inability to perform motivated behaviours. Welfare-positive sun bear management requires daily foraging enrichment using varied food items concealed in complex substrates, climbing opportunities (sun bears are excellent climbers), and space sufficient for exploration and natural ranging behaviour. The Bornean Conservation Centre model - rescued bears in large naturalistic forest enclosures - demonstrates what is possible with appropriate investment.