Dear Lottie,
Thank you for sharing your concerns.
We understand your distress regarding the well-being of our polar and brown bears, and we appreciate your feedback. It is always difficult to witness an animal display behaviors that appear to reflect distress, such as pacing or repetitive movements, and we take these observations seriously.
The behavior you observed in the polar bear could be described as stereotypy, which refers to repetitive, goal-less actions like pacing or swaying. This is often seen in captive animals, especially when they are experiencing stress, boredom, or frustration. Similar to how some people might find themselves mindlessly scrolling on their phones—repeating an action without clear purpose. Just as scrolling through social media doesn’t resolve the underlying emotions for humans, stereotypic behavior in animals doesn’t solve the underlying challenges they face.
In the case of our bears, we are actively working to improve their enclosures and ensure that they have enough stimulation, space, and enrichment. Polar bears, in particular, have specific needs, including cold temperatures and large, varied spaces to roam. We are continually striving to provide the best possible care and are closely monitoring the situation, as well as working with experts to address these behaviors and ensure the animals’ well-being.
We deeply regret that your visit left you feeling disturbed, and we are committed to making improvements for the animals in our care.
Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope you’ll give us the opportunity to show you the improvements in the future.
Sincerely Selma,
Copenhagen Zoo