Do you ever feel sorry for the lions or polar bears when you go to the zoo? Do you think they would be better off if they had to hunt for their food? Well, researchers have discovered that in fact, polar bears and lions in zoos actually need more space to roam rather than natural hunting opportunities. This ‘discovery’ may seem obvious to some, but zoo keepers have been under this misconception as well and have been attempting to recreate more natural hunting experiences for carnivores, like the polar bears and lions.
When you look at the polar bears at the zoo do they seem to be pacing back and forth? That pacing is a result of their confinement and consistency in their environment, not as much a desire to hunt. These signs have been here since zoos started including polar bears, lions, and other wide-ranging carnivores. When you think about your own life, is today exactly like yesterday? The answer is no. Human’s environments are constantly changing, so why wouldn’t that be the same case with carnivores, like polar bears and lions, who roam much more than we do.
The lions and the carnivores may be the most entertaining and largest attractions at zoos; however it makes sense that their survival takes higher priority. Zoos have a difficult decision to make, keep these wide-ranging carnivores and maintain their visitor rates or do what’s best for the animals. Researchers have taken the step to pressure zoo’s to phase these wide-ranging carnivores out and replace with naturally small-ranging species. Dr. Mason points out that, 'Wide-ranging carnivores are particularly hard to conserve in reserves in their natural habitat – so it's especially worrying that they are also most prone to welfare problems in captivity.'
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