Exploring personality assessments of animals in human care: a case study on polar bear ages, hierarchy, and behavior

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Introduction Personality assessments provide a valuable tool to understand the needs of an animal and improve animal wellbeing. Using personality data gathered from a modified five-factor personality assessment, this study explored the relationship between personality and age, hierarchy, and behavior in polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ). Results Between 2018 and 2024, 8 of 9 individuals showed significant changes for at least one personality trait as they aged. Across individuals, personality traits did not always change consistently with age, but individual differences accounted for the majority of variation within the models indicating consistent individual differences were captured. While hierarchical rank was not significantly predicted by any single personality trait, directional relationships and consistent individual differences may indicate biologically meaningful associations would be observed with a larger sample size. In 2024, behavioral activity budgets were compared to the results of the personality assessments scored in the same month. While no significant relationship was found between behavior categories and personality, trends were observed relating to behavioral diversity. Using these results, we provide recommendations to improve personality assessments in bears with an emphasis on tracking consistent individual differences. Conclusion The findings of this study have enhanced our understanding of personality in polar bears, and how personality changes over time. While the present study represents an exploratory analysis, these data can serve as a foundation for further research on polar bear personality in natural and managed care settings.