Captive polar bears offer scientists unique opportunities for research projects that aren't feasible in working with wild bears.

PBI has underwritten two studies at the San Diego Zoo that have added to our understanding of polar bear biology. The first focused on the polar bear's estrus cycle, which is important in terms of reproductive success. The second study, still in progress, is mapping the polar bear's hearing range. Knowing how acutely polar bears can hear will aid scientists in setting parameters for industrial activities.

A third zoo-based study—in cooperation with the San Diego Zoo's Applied Animal Ecology Division and Lead Researcher Megan Owen—will test the polar bear's sense of smell. Again, this could have implications with wild bears in terms of human activities. PBI Advisory Council member JoAnne Simerson has played a leadership role in training the bears for these studies.