Letter: Gus, the Captive Polar Bear

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To the Editor:

Gus was no ordinary neurotic New Yorker ("Farewell to Gus, Whose Issues Made Him a Star," front page, Aug. 29). He was a polar bear, genetically designed to thrive in Arctic expanses. His "issues" were a result of life in captivity.

Oxford University researchers say polar bears fare especially poorly in captive situations because they're unable to satisfy their instinct to roam. A captive polar bear's typical enclosure size is about one-millionth of its minimum home-range size.

What Gus needed much more than positive reinforcement, toys and hidden treats was tundras, open ocean and freedom of movement.

Gus can finally rest in peace, and in his memory, zoo officials and patrons should acknowledge that complex animals who are meant to roam, hunt and swim for vast distances do not belong in New York City.

HEATHER MOORE
Research Specialist
PETA Foundation
Norfolk, Va., Aug. 29, 2013

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