Animals in Captivity

Born to Roam: The Suffering of Polar Bears in Zoos (2023)

Polar bears have adapted to survive and thrive in some of the coldest and most extreme climates in the world in the arctic North, and to travel expansive distances ranging tens of thousands of miles, largely in solitude.

Despite these highly specialized evolutionary adaptations, as of 2022 at least 300 polar bears were kept in captivity around the world at zoos, aquariums, parks, and one circus. These animals are confined to spaces that are a tiny fraction of their wild home ranges, that are typically many degrees too warm for these arctic-adapted animals. In addition, most of these solitary mammals are housed in groups in captivity, with minimal opportunity to avoid potential conflict or escape harmful social stressors. As a result of these and a myriad of other factors, polar bears suffer greatly in captivity, where meeting their species-specific needs is an impossible task.

Detailing welfare concerns, public safety risks, and the ways in which polar bear conservation is hindered by their continued presence in zoos, Born to Roam: The Suffering of Polar Bears in Zoos paints a clear picture of all that is wrong with polar bear captivity. Importantly, the welfare of these animals is irreparably compromised when held in zoos; no amount of husbandry adjustments or enclosure renovations can possibly meet their needs. This report does not call for the reform of polar bear captivity, but rather demands its abolition. In jurisdictions where there is political will to act, this could take the form of legislative bans but, failing that, would require the zoo industry itself to make reliable commitments to do what is right by the animals and phase out their keeping for good.