Debate Surrounds Efficacy of Polar Bear Conservation in Zoos

As Karlsruhe Zoo unveils its newborn polar bear, questions arise about the role of captivity in species preservation and animal welfare.

Karlsruhe Zoo will allow visitors limited access to view a newborn polar bear starting Wednesday, emphasizing animal welfare and controlled exposure.
Supporters argue zoos play a critical role in conservation, serving as research hubs and maintaining reserve populations for endangered species like polar bears.
Critics claim polar bears in captivity suffer from stress and cannot exhibit natural behaviors, with high juvenile mortality rates cited as a concern.
Animal welfare advocates stress that habitat preservation and climate action, rather than captivity, are the most effective ways to save polar bears.
The zoo highlights its educational efforts, positioning the polar bear as a symbol for raising awareness about climate change and biodiversity loss.