Click on the buttons below (or scroll down the page) and then on the names of individual zoos and bears for detailed information (where available).
This directory lists 152 zoos, aquariums and parks (including one circus) known or believed to be keeping polar bears at present, to be planning to do so or to have done so in the recent past. So far 62 of these have individual entries linked from the directory. While some of these pages are still under construction, a number already have detailed reviews of their facilities and husbandry.
We have listed 309 captive polar bears; it is possible that there are others we are not yet aware of. However, it is certain that some of the bears listed in China are brown bear / polar bear hybrids. To date 81 of the bears have detailed biographical entries (follow the links from the directory). More are being added every month.
To read more on the basic welfare requirements for captive polar bears click here.
In 2002 the Canadian Polar Bear Protection Act was enacted, the so called “Manitoba Standards”; download a copy here.
You can download a copy of the 2018 International Studbook for Polar Bears from our server by clicking here (contains information submitted up to 30 June 2019).
For information on polar bears that have died in captivity click here.