Zoo & Aquarium

Zoo: Polar Bear Welfare in Warm Climates

Polar bears are arctic specialists whose welfare in zoos located in warm climates is particularly challenging due to thermoregulatory needs and behavioural complexity.

Key Facts

Polar bears are highly adapted for arctic cold with thick fur and blubber layers
Wild polar bears roam hundreds of kilometres over sea ice
Stereotypic pacing in polar bears was historically very common in zoos
Modern facilities with pools, cooling systems and complex environments improve welfare
Climate change is reducing sea ice habitat making polar bear conservation more urgent

Welfare Considerations

Polar bears in warm zoos without access to cold water and large complex territories suffer welfare compromise from thermal stress and locomotor frustration. The ethical challenge of keeping cold-adapted species in warm climates is real and requires exceptional facilities to address.

What You Can Do

Support only zoos with specialist polar bear facilities including cold-water pools
Advocate for climate action to protect wild polar bear sea ice habitat
Donate to Polar Bears International wild polar bear research
Question whether polar bears should be kept in facilities without appropriate conditions