Samenvatting

Due to improved zoo practices, longevity in zoo animals has increased. In comparison to the wild, many species become much older in captivity. Senescence follows a different path in each species and is therefore hard to generalize towards other species. Insights into the process of senescence in animals could provide information which contributes to the housing and husbandry of animals. Few data exist on the deterioration process of captive bears, what possibly may lead to a failure in meeting adapted needs regarding housing and husbandry of elderly bears. The aim of the current research can be outlined as follows: to have insights into behavioural consequences of senescence in captive bears and how a change in sleep pattern is linked to age. To pursue the aim of this research, a total of 11 bears have been observed. The research was carried out in two zoos in the Netherlands: Dierenrijk and DierenPark Amersfoort.