Use of fluoxetine for the treatment of stereotypical pacing behavior in a captive polar bear

Abstract

Stereotypical behaviors are common in captive animals, particularly captive polar bears. Effects of oral administration of fluoxetine on chronic stereotypical and typical behaviors in a captive polar bear were monitored. Fluoxetine treatment terminated stereotypic pacing behavior, facial tic, and huffing/coughing activity. The expression of typical polar bear behaviors was not affected by fluoxetine treatment, although the proportion of time spent engaged in typical behaviors changed during the course of the observation period. Response of the bear to fluoxetine treatment indicated that pharmacologic manipulation of the serotonergic system can safely eliminate stereotypical behaviors in captive polar bears.