Conserving the species

Modern zoos now aim more towards educating the public, scientific studies, and conservation and breeding of endangered species. It is clear that the survival of polar bears is being threatened drastically by loss of sea ice due to global warming, however, whether or not this merits justification for the idea of capturing these bears and conserving them in zoos is questionable. Although they are classified in Canada as a species at risk, and these risks are in no way going to decline, unless humans can come up with a clever way to reverse the effect of global warming, polar bears are not listed as an endangered species in Canada or internationally. In 2008, the US listed polar bears as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and Canada and Russia have listed them as a “species of special concern’. Scientist estimate that there are about 20-25 thousand bears left in the wild, with 60% of those being found in Canada.  In January, 2011 the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Manitoba opened the International Polar Bear Conservation Center. To goal of this program is “to ensure Manitoba remains a center of global influence in polar bear conservation, while providing a unique experience for Manitoba families and visitors alike”. Further, they state that:

“Polar bears can only be brought from the wild into our Zoo under very special circumstances. If an orphaned polar bear cub, which would normally die without it’s mother, is found within the control zones of a northern Manitoba community, it may be a candidate to be rescued and be put in the IPBCC transition program”                         

(Assiniboine Park Zoo, 2012)

Although conservation of the species and rescuing orphaned bears is an idea that has good intentions, the benefits of these types of programs need to be weighed against the costs of the negative welfare implications on polar bears in captivity. The question must be asked of whether or not it is possible to provide polar bears in captivity with enclosures that are of high enough quality that the welfare of the bear is in no way compromised. If the animal that if trying to be “ conserved” and “protected” is suffering in the process, are we really protecting or conserving that species at all? Does the end really justify the means?

Phasing Out the Captivity of Polar Bears

Many who are concerned about the welfare of polar bears in captivity will strongly recommend phasing out the practice of keeping polar bears in zoos. In 2009, the last polar bear living in a zoo in the UK was relocated to the Highland Wildlife Park, to live on four acres of rocks, trees, hills and pools, in a much “happier” environment. There are currently no polar bears living in zoos in the UK, and many organizations hope that this will be the beginning a movement away from the practice of keeping polar bears in zoos. Allowing current captive bears to live out the rest of their lives in an appropriate wildlife sanctuary, and no longer obtaining  new bears.  Further, although a key reason for keeping polar bears in captivity is public education, it is likely that this education would still be able to continue with the use of posters, presentations, videos and models, and that they life specimen is not key in the educational process.