Zoos and Aquariums
Enriched captive environments can play a helpful role in global conservation efforts.
Most modern zoos and aquariums have come a long way from the concrete cages of the past. Today's zoos house polar bears in well-designed exhibits that include rushing waterfalls, chilled pools stocked with fish, enormous swimming pools, shallow streams, and natural substrates like grass, mulch, and gravel pits where bears can dig.
Polar Bears 101
Human Interactions with Polar Bears
Partners in conservation
They help polar bear conservation by:
- Educating and inspiring the public to take action on climate change—through their websites, on-ground messaging, and community activities and lectures
- Providing homes for orphaned cubs
- Taking part in key research studies that would be otherwise impossible to conduct with wild bears, often through positive-reinforcement training
- Helping to develop the next generation of conservation advocates through youth programs
Enriched Activities
Most modern zoos and aquariums, including those in our network, have come a long way from the concrete cages of the past. Today's zoos house polar bears in well-designed exhibits that include rushing waterfalls, chilled pools stocked with fish, enormous swimming pools, shallow streams, and natural substrates like grass, mulch, and gravel pits where bears can dig.
They offer enrichment activities designed to encourage the expression of natural behaviors, provide cognitive challenges, and stimulate play.
These activities are good for the bears, keeping them engaged and healthy. Positive reinforcement training provides opportunities for animals to participate in health care—allowing visual exams, eye drops, voluntary vaccination injections, and even blood sampling without anesthesia so zoo vets can monitor their health without unnecessary stress.
Polar Bears 101
Human Interactions with Polar Bears
Bear Tracker
Watch polar bears as they travel across the sea ice to hunt seals.