Working to save the world's polar bears
Leading scientists from around the world serve on our Advisory Council. They guide us on the most urgent projects in a warming Arctic. Here are the projects we’re supporting right now—and some we’ve already accomplished:
Polar Bear Populations Studies
Some scientists predict that the Arctic could be ice free in summer in just ten years. Our population studies track changes as the polar bear's habitat shrinks. These counts provide governments with critical data for making decisions—helping to protect the bears.
Maternal Dens Studies
Understanding polar bear denning behavior is crucially important as industry moves into the Arctic. Our research helps set guidelines so mothers and cubs aren't disturbed.
Sensory Studies
What sounds can polar bears hear? What noises disturb them? Do scents play a role in finding mates? Zoo bears help us with studies that would be impossible to conduct on bears in the wild—but have important implications for their wild counterparts.
Past Projects
From enrichment studies for zoo bears to wild-bear behavior research on a remote Russian island, our completed projects add to our understanding of the world's polar bears and aid policy-makers in setting regulations.
