My list of top 2 per zoo is only from the ones I have visited so far: American Black Bear North Carolina Zoo Lowry Park Zoo Andean Bear Smithsonian National Zoo Rosamond Gifford Zoo Asiatic Black Bear Virginia Zoo Philadelphia Zoo Brown Bear Columbus Zoo Akron Zoo Giant Panda Smithsonian National Zoo Polar Bear North Carolina Zoo Columbus Zoo Sloth Bear Smithsonian National Zoo Lowry Park Zoo Sun Bear Columbus Zoo Virginia Zoo
Both enclosures have a couple trees in them and one has a small climbing structure. I have seen two sets of cubs high in the trees on many occasions.
Yes, since posting I've reconsidered my opinion. I consider them to be much better than I did before, though I won't have a true opinion until I can see the bears actually using the habitat (I only saw them twice, both times sleeping). However, I still feel that the size could be improved, and the ugly concrete both in and around the exhibit is an eyesore.
Yes, there are some concrete visual elements that hinder it from looking like a natural environment. But it makes more sense now of your view as you didn't see the bears use the space. You appreciate it more when there are active cubs around. The adult bears usually sleep, eat, or go down the stairs to get back inside.
Top Ones I've Seen (In Order) Polar Bear: Detroit, Columbus, North Carolina, San Diego, Toledo Grizzly Bear: Columbus (by far), Brookfield, Bronx, North Carolina Black Bear: North Carolina, Columbus, Lowry Park, Miami, Philadelphia Sun Bear: Columbus (by far), San Diego Sloth Bear: National (by far), Columbus, Philadelphia Andean Bear: Philadelphia, Queens Worst I Have Seen Polar Bear: Milwaukee County, Bronx, Cincinnati (The old ones at Cleveland, Lincoln Park and Toronto were atrocious) Grizzly Bear: Cleveland, Milwaukee, Riverbanks (before the renovation) Black Bear: Pittsburgh (Closed Down Thank God), Cleveland, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Houston Best I Haven't Seen (Based on Reviews, Photos and Videos) Polar Bear: Assiniboine Park, Hogle, Toronto, Como Park, Buffalo Grizzly Bear: Woodland Park, Minnesota, Akron, Northwest Trek, Oklahoma City Black Bear: Minnesota, Oregon, Northwest Trek, Oklahoma City Andean Bear: Saint Louis (Visiting in May), Phoenix Sun Bear: Saint Louis (Visiting in May), Oakland Sloth Bear: Woodland Park
