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In captivity, bears often engage in stereotypical behaviors such as pacing and rocking . Repetitive movements such as this are clear signs of stress. It can also be due to boredom and lack of stimulation. The scientific term for repetitive behaviors in captive animals such as this is "Abnormal Repetitive Behavior" also know as ARB. These repetitive behaviors are caused by depression, boredom and psychoses. Some zoos actually give anti-depressants or tranquillizers to control the behavior problems of some of their animals. They lack mental stimulation and physical exercise. Even though you might think that zoo animals would get used to a life in captivity, they really don't. Even animals that are bred in zoos still retain their natural instincts after many generations of captive breeding. Animals like bears or felines are used to hunting. In a zoo, they are deprived of this natural need. Most animals would naturally roam for tens of miles a day. Once you start recognizing the signs of stress in zoo animals and understand how sad and claustrophobic their lives must be. So to actually make the answer short. It is due to high amounts of stress, lack of stimulation, and so fourth.

-K.

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11y ago

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