SHENG-WEN LO

“What is this polar bear doing?” 

The video depicts captive polar bears, their behaviours and their artificial habitats. The work is not about polar bears but, by focusing on a single species, aims to explore the roles and dilemmas of animal captivity programs.

 The robotic movements are based on the "stereotypic behaviours (endless repetition of a fixed sequence of movements)" of polar bears in captivity, recorded in 17 enclosures in Europe and China. In ethological studies, these behaviors are often linked to limited environmental conditions and psychological stress, serving as a warning sign of maladaptation. However, it is important to note that the presence of stereotypic behaviors does not necessarily indicate poor current living conditions; rather, they may result from past environments the animals have previously inhabited.

Sound design: I-lly Cheng.

大白熊進行曲 (2017 版)

聲音設計：鄭伊里

「這隻北極熊在做什麼？」

錄像置呈現了被圈養的北極熊、牠們的行為，以及牠們所處的人工環境。這件作品並非關於北極熊本身，而是透過聚焦於單一物種，探討動物圈養計劃的角色與兩難。

 機械化的動作來自圈養白熊的「刻板行為（動物反覆進行固定動作序列）」，取材自歐洲、中國共17處。在動物行為學研究中，這些行為常與受限的環境條件及心理壓力相關，被視為適應不良的警訊。然而，值得注意的是，刻板行為的出現並不一定意味著當前的生活環境惡劣，而可能源自動物曾經歷的過往環境

Brochure: Mulhouse Zoo (France) and Grandview (正佳商場) Aquarium (China)

These bear-graphics are from internet stock images rather than the actual bears in both zoo/aquariums. 

The polar bear exhibit Artica at Blijdorp Zoo was constructed in 2008 and renovated in 2011. During feeding sessions, visitors gather in a theater-like viewing area to watch the bears. In the picture, Todz and Sizzel are siblings born in 2014 and lived with their mother Olinka (1992-2021) in Rotterdam at the time of the photo. Todz and Sizzel currently reside in France and Germany, respectively. In 2021, their elder brother, Vicks (2010-), casted a rock underwater and cracked the glass window on the left side of the enclosure. Vicks was moved to Mulhouse Zoo, France in 2013.

布萊多普動物園，鹿特丹，荷蘭 (2016)

布萊多普動物園的極地動物展館Artica於2008年建成，並於2011年翻修；在餵食時段，遊客會聚集在宛如劇場的觀看區看熊。圖中Todz和Sizzel是一對兄妹，2014年出生，於拍攝時和母親Olinka（1992-2021）同住在鹿特丹。Todz與Sizzel目前分別居住在法國與德國，他們的哥哥Vicks（2010-）於2012年時在水下丟石頭，擊中並打裂了圖中左側的玻璃，Vicks隨後遷至法國米盧斯動物園。

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Sizzel ♀: *2014 Rotterdam

Todz ♀: *2014 Rotterdam

Olinka♀–†: *1992 Köln – †2021 Rotterdam

Wildlands Adventure Zoo, Emmen, The Netherlands (2016)

In the image, we see Lale, born in 2013, at the right. She is the niece of Todz and Sizzel from Diergaarde Blijdorp, Rotterdam (in the previous picture), who were born in 2014, making her slightly older than her aunt and uncle. Wildlands Adventure Zoo, Emmen is one of the newest zoos in the Netherlands, and its promotional statement highlights that the enclosures are designed to replicate the animals' natural habitats.

埃門荒野冒險動物園，荷蘭 (2016)

圖中右側北極熊Lale生於2013年，為上一幅圖中鹿特丹布萊多普動物園Todz和Sizzel的姪女。然而Todz和Sizzel為2014年出生，所以年紀比姪女Lale小些。埃門荒野冒險動物園是荷蘭最新的動物園之一，文宣強調展區模擬動物原始棲地。

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Lale ♀: *2013 Bremerhaven

Noordje ♀: *2012 Nuenen

Nela ♀: *2013 Munich

Newly established enclosure at the north of Netherlands. In veterinarian studies, grass is better for the paws than stone or concrete structures.

When this picture was taken, Hagenbeck zoo hoped polar bears Victoria and Blizzard will breed successfully. However, in 2018, ultrasound examinations revealed Blizzard's infertility. As a result, the zoo performed artificial insemination on Victoria, leading to the birth of Anouk in December 2022.

Hagenbeck Zoo, Hamburg was opened in 1907. The new 8,000 square metres Arctic Ocean exhibit was opened in 2012, which accommodates seals, walruses, and polar bears. Some reports have raised concerns about insufficient space for the polar bears.

哈根貝克動物園，漢堡，德國 (2014)

當這張照片被拍攝時，哈根貝克動物園希望北極熊Victoria與Blizzard能成功配對繁殖。然而，Blizzard於2018年經超聲波檢查證實不孕。因此，哈根貝克動物園對Victoria進行了人工受孕；她於是在2022年12月生了Anouk。

哈根貝克動物園於1907年在漢堡成立。8,000平方米的北冰洋展館於2012年建成，圈養了海豹、海象和北極熊。有些報告指出了北極熊生活空間不足。

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Victoria♀: *2002 Hamburg

Blizzard ♂–†: *2006 Pistoia – †2022 Karlsruhe

Since 2009, the Highland Wildlife Park has housed polar bears in this modern, thoughtfully designed exhibit. The main enclosures, two in total, offer relatively large space, each featuring a pond, soft substrates, lush vegetation, and extensive exploration areas. The total area exceeds the Manitoba Standard. The provision of two enclosures allows the facility to mimic the solitary lifestyle of wild polar bears. One of the two main enclosures is exclusively occupied by the female bear, Victoria, who arrived in 2015.

高地野生動物公園，蘇格蘭，英國 (2014)

自2009年以來，高地野生動物公園在這個現代化、設計良好的展示區圈養北極熊。主要的兩大展區都配有水池、軟質地面、茂密的植被和大型探索區域；圈養區面積也超過Manitoba準則。兩個展區配置可讓動物園仿擬野生北極熊的獨居生活模式；目前其中一個大展區由2015年抵達的雌熊Victoria使用。

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Arktos ♂: *2007 Vienna

Walker ♂: *2008 Rhenen

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The enclosure featured painted icebergs on its walls, although most polar bears kept in captivity worldwide are born in zoos and may not have any knowledge of real icebergs. These bears would occasionally use the rough walls to scratch themselves, which resulted in the bears' buttocks turning blue due to continuous rubbing against the wall, wearing off the blue paint. Currently, the zoo has expanded the area next to the enclosure with a forest for the polar bears, and the original enclosure walls have been repainted, erasing the painted icebergs. At the time the photo was taken, Monde Sauvage, Aywaille was home to three polar bears: Blanche (1993-), Rocky (2002-), and their daughter Qannik (2010-).

艾瓦耶野生世界，比利時 (2014)

展區圍牆上繪製了冰山，但各地圈養的北極熊大多在動物園內出生，應該不知道什麼是冰山。他們偶爾會利用粗糙的牆面抓癢；如圖中的熊屁股變藍色，即是因為不斷摩擦牆壁，磨下藍色油漆。目前，動物園在展區旁擴增了一片森林給北極熊，原展區牆面也重新粉刷，彩繪冰山已不復存在。照片拍攝時，比利時艾瓦耶野生世界住著三隻北極熊，Blanche（1993-）、Rocky（2002-）和他們的女兒Qannik（2010-）。

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Blanche ♀: *1993 Aywaille

Rocky ♂: *2002 Rhenen

Qannik ♀: *2010 Aywaille

Berlin Zoo has a long history with housing polar bears since 1845. The pictured bears, Tosca, Nancy, and Katjuscha, were long-term residents but passed away between 2014 and 2021. Polar bears in captivity can live for up to 30 years, thanks to veterinary care, exceeding their wild counterparts' lifespans. Presently, in 2023, Berlin Zoo no longer hosts polar bears. Notably, Tosca gave birth to and abandoned Knut (2006-2011) in 2006. Knut, a bear hand-reared by humans, skyrocketed in popularity, boosting the zoo's revenue by 30% in 2007. Tragically, he succumbed to encephalitis and drowned in a pool at just four years old.

柏林動物園，德國 (2014)

柏林動物園與北極熊淵源深遠，自1845年即開始圈養北極熊。照片中的Tosca、Nancy與Katjuscha長年居住在園內，並於2014至2021年間相繼過世；與受圈養的北極熊因有獸醫照顧，壽命可達30年，較野外平均壽命長。目前（2023）柏林動物園內並無北極熊。Tosca曾在2006年時產下並遺棄努特(Knut，2006-2011)；這隻人為哺育的小熊曾紅極一時，並在2007年為柏林動物園帶來額外30%的收入成長。然而努特四歲時因腦炎跌落水池中溺斃。

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Nancy ♀–†: *1989 Karlsruhe – †2014 Berlin

Tosca ♀–†: - * probably 1986 (wild, Canada) – †2015Berlin

Katjuscha ♀–†: *1984 Karlsruhe – †2021 Berlin

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Prague Zoo’s polar bear exhibit consists two linked enclosures, replete with a swimming pool, artificial rapids and an ice maker (added in 2015). The bears seems well cared for; they are fed once a day and their diet includes mackerels, herrings, salmon, beef and fish oil. During hot weather they will be fed ice cubes containing frozen fish, carrots and apples. But the enclosure, built in 1933, falls far below modern standards. The zoo's 2022 announcement to construct a CZK 800 million Arctic pavilion “Artikada” awaits municipal council approval in September 2023. If the new facility cannot be built, Prague Zoo will end the keeping of polar bears.

布拉格動物園，捷克 (2014)

布拉格動物園的北極熊展區由兩個相通的空間組成，包含水池、人工急流、製冰機（2015年增設）。熊受到良好照養，每天餵食一次，飲食包括鯖魚、鯡魚、鮭魚、牛肉和魚油。天氣炎熱時，它們會吃凍著魚、紅蘿蔔和蘋果的的大冰塊。然而，展區本身建於1933年，遠遠不符合現代標準。布拉格動物園於2022年宣布建造耗資8億捷克克朗（約11億新台幣）的北極展館“Artikada”，正等待市府在2023年9月批准。如果無法建造新設施，布拉格動物園將結束飼養北極熊。

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Bora ♀–†: *1986 Vienna—†2019 Prague

Berta ♀: *2003 Prague

Tom ♂: *2007 Brno

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The seal-shaped float in the picture is a toy for polar bears. Seals are essential prey for wild polar bears, but those born in captivity likely have never encountered real seals. This outdated enclosure was built over 100 years ago, and the zoo had not been able to finance a renovation or new building. In 2019, Wuppertal Zoo announced its intent to cease housing polar bears. This became a reality when the last bear, Anori, was relocated to Mulhouse Zoo, France in 2021. Rather than permanently discontinuing or constructing a new exhibit, the plan is to modernize the existing enclosure, which benefits the neighboring California sea lions, whose enclosure will be connected to the current polar bear enclosure.

伍珀塔爾動物園，德國 (2014)

圖中海豹形狀的浮板為北極熊的玩具；海豹是野生北極熊的重要獵物，但牠們在人為環境出生，應該也沒有見過真的海豹。這個過時的展區建成已逾百年，而動物園也無經費將其大幅翻修或重建。在2019年，伍珀塔爾動物園宣布希望放棄飼養北極熊，並於2021年實現—最後一隻熊Anori被遷移到法國的米盧斯動物園。原有的北極熊展區將不會被拆除或重建，但會被改善的更加現代化，並與鄰近的加州海獅展區聯通，升級海獅的生活環境。

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Anori ♀: *2012 Wuppertal

Luka ♂: *2011 Rhenen

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Watch video on Youtube

Polar bears Imaq and Inuk are the twin cubs of Malik. The polar bear exhibit replaced a traditional concrete bear grotto in 1999, offering improved bear management and viewing opportunities. Originally designed for up to three bears, it's now set for expansion. The exhibit mimics the natural landscapes of Greenland's fjords and coastlines with tundra and taiga vegetation. Keepers regularly hide meat for enrichment, and saltwater in the pools maintains bear health and fur whiteness. Trout, acclimated to temperature and salinity, share the water in a separate pool, and the bears receive live trouts weekly in winter.

奧爾堡動物園，丹麥 (2023)

北極熊Imaq和Inuk是Malik的生的雙胞胎。北極熊新展區於1999年建成，取代了原本傳統的水泥熊窟，優化了管理與觀看視線。展區最初設計可容納三隻熊，現在正計劃擴建。展示區模擬了格陵蘭峽灣和海岸線的自然景觀，搭配苔原和針葉林植被。飼育員經常將肉藏起來給熊找，以增強活動豐富度，而池中的鹽水有助於維持熊的健康和其毛的白潔。園方會讓鱒魚先適應經池水鹽度後，養於鹽度相同的池中；如此一來，冬季時，熊每周都可以獲得活鱒魚。

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Malik ♀: *2000 Aalborg

Imaq ♀: *2019 Aalborg

Inuk ♀: *2019 Aalborg

Ranua Zoo is the northernmost zoo in the world with polar bears. This exhibit includes two adjacent outdoor enclosures (2,300 and 1,800 m2) with indoor access. The bear's diet features raw meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, honey, and Mazuri® polar bear supplement with additional fish liver oil and vitamin B. Situated near the Arctic Circle, the zoo shares a climate with wild polar bears; in July, temperatures average 14°C. Bears have outdoor access at night, nesting materials, and monitored pool water. Regular vet check-ups, enrichments, training, and participation in the EAZA Polar Bear European Endangered Species Programme make this facility excellent for captive polar bears due to its location and proactive management.

拉努阿動物園，芬蘭 (2023)

拉努阿動物園擁有世界上緯度最高的北極熊展區，包含兩個相鄰的戶外圈養區（2,300和1,800 m2），可通到室內。北極熊的飲食包括生肉、魚、蔬菜、水果、蜂蜜，以及Mazuri®北極熊營養補充品，補充魚肝油和維生素B。拉努阿動物園鄰近極圈，與北極熊原生棲地氣候類似；七月份平均溫度為14°C。北極熊夜間可至戶外展區活動、可取得建巢材料，水質也受監測。此外，動物園提供定期的獸醫檢查、展區豐容、訓練，並參與EAZA歐洲北極熊瀕危物種保護計劃。優異的地理位置和積極管理使這個設施成為出色的北極熊圈養場所。

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Venus ♀: *2004 Rostock; moved to Ranua since 2006

Three weeks after this photo was taken (March 4, 2023), four-year-old polar bear Imaq was fatally electrocuted after accessing an electricity supply cabinet and biting through a cable, raising concerns about the exhibit's safety and Copenhagen Zoo's ability to care for captive polar bears. Opened in 2013, the 1,050m2 Arctic Ring cost €20 million. Designed to resemble the Greenland coastline in summer, it features rocks, pebbles, and Arctic flora, with a dry moat separating the bears from visitors. Daily food enrichment items, including cow and horse heads, are provided. While meeting the Manitoba Standard for land area, the facility falls short of Newfoundland's minimum requirement.

哥本哈根動物園，丹麥 (2023)

照片拍攝三週後（2023年3月4日），四歲的北極熊Imaq打開配電箱、咬破電纜後遭電擊身亡；展區安全性與哥本哈根動物園照顧熊的能力堪慮。 Arctic Ring佔地1,050m2，斥資2,000萬歐元，於2013年開放。它試圖模仿格陵蘭夏季的海岸線，佈有岩石、鵝卵石和極地植物，並以乾壕溝區隔熊與遊客。園方每日提供豐富化的食物和物品，例如牛頭和馬頭。展區面積雖滿足Manitoba Standard，但未達Newfoundland的最低標準。

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Noel ♀: *2003 Fasano (Daughter: Inuvik)

Lynn♀: *2011 Copenhagen (Daughter: Imaq)

Imaq ♀–†: *2018 Copenhagen – †2023 Copenhagen

Inuvik ♀: *2019 Copenhagen

The little bear, Lale, was born in December, 2013 and was under a year old when the picture was taken. He lived with his mother, Valeska, at the Zoo am Meer Bremerhaven. In 2015, Lale was relocated to the Emmen, the Netherlands (as shown in another photo in this exhibit). In late 2013, during the New Year's celebration, the city government prohibited fireworks and firecrackers near the pier where young Lale lived. The zoo, established in 1928, is one of Europe's smallest scientifically run zoos, covering just 1.2 hectares. The zoo houses around 280 animals from 47 species, including Humboldt penguins and pumas. The breeding of polar bears began in 1935 in poor conditions, and a new polar bear exhibit was constructed in 2002.

不來梅港海濱動物園，德國 (2014)

照片中的小熊Lale於2013年底出生，拍攝時不滿一歲，和母親Valeska同住在不來梅港海濱動物園。Lale於2015年遷往荷蘭埃門荒野冒險動物園（本展另一張照片）。2013年尾跨年時，市政府特地規定在幼熊Lale生活的碼頭邊不得施放煙火與鞭炮。不來梅港海濱動物園成立於1928年，是歐洲最小的科學化經營動物園，總面積僅1.2公頃，與400米操場面積相當。園內飼養了47種約280隻動物，包含洪保德環企鵝、美洲獅。該園自1935年開始在條件不佳的設施中繁殖北極熊；新北極熊展區則於2002年建成。

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Lale ♀: *2013 Bremerhaven

Berta ♀: *2004 Rostock

Lloyd ♂: *2000 Vienna

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The oldest zoo on Earth.

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Locations of polar bears in captivity in Europe (2023).

Red pins are sites visited.

This map shows the distribution of captive polar bears. Currently, around 300 polar bears reside in captivity across over 150 facilities, encompassing zoos, aquariums, and parks (including one circus). The 44 sites marked with red pins have been surveyed by this ongoing research project.

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北極熊圈養機構地圖 (2023)

這張地圖標示了受圈養北極熊的分佈情況。目前，約有300隻北極熊生活在150多個機構中，包括動物園、水族館和公園（含一家馬戲團）。標記為紅色的44個地點為已由本計訪查的位址。

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References:

Bear Conservation, Captive polar bear directory - http://www.bearconservation.org.uk/

Eisbären im Zoo — https://ullijseisbaeren.wordpress.com/

Angeli, A. "International Studbook for Polar Bears, 19th edition”, Zoologischer Garten Rostock, (2019).

Entrance tickets and brochures

-Installation-

L: Lianzhou Foto Festival, China (2016)

R: Wanderer Studio, Taipei (2015)

Exterior view, Organ Vida Photo Festival (2017)

Greta Gallery

book (in the making) mechanism:

Combining transparency sheets and "right-to-left page-turning" action unique to the book medium, we hope to achieve an interactive experience of re-locating the bears. While flipping the pages, the reader pluck the bear from their natural polar habitats to artificial habitats.

The goal is making a children-friendly photo book with a simple mechanism.

Arctic image credit: Christopher Wood