Wildlife

Sun Bear Welfare: Bile Farming and Habitat Loss

Sun bears are threatened by bile farming, the pet trade, and deforestation, all causing significant welfare harms.

Key Facts

Sun bears are the smallest bear species, native to Southeast Asia
Bile farming keeps bears in tiny cages for years
Sun bears are highly intelligent and arboreal animals
Deforestation has destroyed much of their natural habitat
They are also taken from the wild as pets, causing trauma

Welfare Considerations

Bears on bile farms suffer profoundly. Catheters or permanent fistulas are used to extract bile from their gall bladders, causing chronic pain and infection. Cage environments prevent natural behaviours. The pet trade separates cubs from mothers and prevents normal development. Habitat loss forces bears into human conflict.

What You Can Do

Support Animals Asia and their bile farm rescue work
Avoid products containing bear bile
Advocate for ending bile farming through legal reform
Support habitat conservation in Borneo and Sumatra
Oppose the pet bear trade by reporting suspected cases