Polar bears typically experience more problems with confinement than most other animals. Captive polar bears are well known for exhibiting repetitive behavior such as pacing back and forth, particularly when housed in substandard, sensory-deprived exhibits. In fact, pacing is so widespread in captive polar bears that the Dutch verb "to pace" is to ijsberen or "to polar bear."

In recent years, many zoos have made great strides in improving their polar bear exhibits and offering enrichment for the bears, and PBI applauds these efforts. We also recognize that zoos provide homes for orphaned cubs, help educate the public, conduct research, and may play a future role in the conservation of the species. For these reasons, we have underwritten a $46,000 study on stress and repetitive behavior in captive polar bears, which is being conducted by David Shepherdson, Program Scientist at the Oregon Zoo.

Shepherdson's study will help us understand the motivational and environmental factors that lead to repetitive behavior in captive polar bears. Of equal importance, it will help us to determine which physical facilities encourage good health and which enrichment ideas best reduce stress. Once we understand these factors, we can work to ensure that every facility adheres to these basic standards.

Shepherdson's landmark project, which began in 2000, will measure the behavior of more than 40 polar bears in 22 zoos in the U.S. and Canada. Participants include:

• Oregon Zoo (Portland)
• Toledo Zoo
• St. Louis Zoo
• Brookfield Zoo (Chicago)
• Denver Zoo
• Point Defiance Zoo (Washington)
• Los Angeles Zoo
• Sea World of San Diego
• San Diego Zoo
• Sea World of Orlando
• Central Park Zoo
• Bronx Zoo
• North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro)
• San Francisco Zoo
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Toronto Zoo
• Assiniboine Park Zoo (Winnipeg)
• Seneca Park Zoo
• Buffalo Zoo
• Lake Superior Zoo (Duluth)
• Cleveland Zoo
• Como Zoo (St. Paul)

After results become available, we will post them on our Web site and share them with zoos worldwide.