Kelly Krista R, Harrison Michelle L, Size Daniele D, MacDonald Suzanne E
a Department of Psychology , York University , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.
J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2015;18(1):17-31. doi: 10.1080/10888705.2014.924832. Epub 2014 Jun 16.
Stereotypical behaviors in captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus) can be detrimental to their welfare. These behaviors can be reduced through enrichment programs but are often not completely eliminated, so identifying potential triggers is important. The present study investigated the influences of seasonal changes, visitor density, and concurrent bear activity on stereotypical behaviors exhibited by 3 captive polar bears at the Toronto Zoo. All bears exhibited these behaviors; however, individual differences were found in duration and form. The male exhibited less stereotypical behavior during spring, and the females exhibited less stereotypical behavior during winter. An increase in visitor density was associated with more stereotypical behavior in 1 female but less stereotypical behavior in the other 2 bears. All bears engaged in more stereotypical behaviors when the other bears were inactive, and 1 female engaged in more stereotypical behaviors when the other bears were out of sight. Further, when conspecifics were active, all bears engaged in less stereotypical behaviors. Given the variability among individual bears, future enrichment programs must be tailored to the needs of individuals to maximize efficacy.
圈养北极熊（Ursus maritimus）的刻板行为可能对其福利有害。这些行为可以通过丰容计划减少，但往往不能完全消除，因此识别潜在触发因素很重要。本研究调查了季节变化、游客密度和同时发生的熊活动对多伦多动物园3只圈养北极熊表现出的刻板行为的影响。所有的熊都表现出这些行为；然而，在持续时间和形式上发现了个体差异。雄性在春季表现出较少的刻板行为，而雌性在冬季表现出较少的刻板行为。游客密度的增加与1只雌性更多的刻板行为相关，但与其他2只熊较少的刻板行为相关。当其他熊不活动时，所有的熊都会表现出更多的刻板行为，而当其他熊看不见时，1只雌性会表现出更多的刻板行为。此外，当同种个体活跃时，所有的熊都会表现出较少的刻板行为。鉴于个体熊之间的变异性，未来的丰容计划必须根据个体需求进行调整，以最大限度地提高效果。
