Is stereotypic behaviour in polar bears heterogenous in nature?

Abstract

Stereotypic behaviours may be heterogenous in nature for some species and thus have different causes or motivations. The current study examined stereotypic behaviour in two polar bears Ursus maritimus, one male and one female, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Data were collected at four different times throughout an approximate one-year period. Results suggest that stereotypic behaviour in polar bears may be heterogenous in nature as has been documented in other species. Pacing behaviour typically occurred in locations best suited to watch for the presence of animal care staff. However, the main location the male engaged in route tracing was near a window where the female could be visually observed but not physically interacted with during the spring which is the breeding season. In addition, principal components analysis reveals pacing and route tracing do not co-occur providing additional support that stereotypic behaviours in polar bears may be heterogenous in nature. Only through research and understanding the motivations for these behaviours will zoos be able to have a positive impact on the animals’ welfare. Information gained from this study can assist future studies in ensuring stereotypic behaviours are scored separately during behavioural data collection.