Wildlife

Black Bear Bile Farming in Asia and Welfare Reform

Asiatic black bears are farmed for bile in China and Vietnam under conditions causing extreme suffering, with reform progressing slowly.

Key Facts

An estimated 10,000-20,000 Asiatic black bears are on bile farms in China
Vietnamese bear farming has declined significantly following campaign pressure
Bear bile contains ursodeoxycholic acid, now synthesized pharmaceutically
Animals Asia has rescued over 700 bears from bile farming conditions
Rescued bears often show missing teeth, paw injuries, and severe psychological trauma

Welfare Considerations

Bile extraction via catheter or surgically created fistula causes chronic infection and pain. Bears confined in crush cages cannot stand or turn. Gallbladder infections cause abdominal pain. Bears raised from cubs on farms show severe psychological damage from early confinement. Even after rescue, former bile farm bears require years of rehabilitation and never fully recover normal behavior.

What You Can Do

Donate to Animals Asia bear rescue and rehabilitation programs
Advocate for complete closure of remaining bear bile farms
Support campaigns reducing demand for bear bile products in consumer markets
Never purchase products containing bear bile
Engage with Chinese and Vietnamese governments on farm closure support programs