Zoo Animals

Zoo Polar Bear Welfare in Warm Climates

Polar bears in zoos face significant welfare challenges, particularly in warm climate facilities.

Key Facts

Polar bears are naturally adapted to Arctic environments with year-round cold exposure
Heat stress in warm climates causes inactivity, stereotypic pacing and physiological stress
Adequate pool depth, shade, ice provision and indoor climate control are welfare essentials
EAZA best practice guidelines advise against keeping polar bears in consistently warm climates
Several European zoos have phased out polar bears following welfare concerns

Welfare Considerations

Maintaining polar bears in warm climates creates an irreconcilable conflict between animal welfare needs and exhibition goals. Where climate control cannot meet species requirements, zoos should consider whether polar bear exhibition is justifiable. The EAZA best practice position reflects growing consensus that welfare must take precedence.

What You Can Do

Support zoos that have phased out polar bear exhibition on welfare grounds
Advocate for BIAZA and AZA to adopt EAZA best practice guidelines on climate suitability
Learn about polar bear wild welfare challenges from Polar Bears International
Donate to Arctic conservation to address the root threat to wild polar bears