Captive Animals

Bear Welfare in Captivity

Bears are kept in conditions ranging from bile farming to zoos, with welfare standards varying enormously and typically falling far short of their complex needs.

Key Facts

An estimated 20,000 bears are kept in bile farms in China, Vietnam, and South Korea
Moon bears on bile farms are typically kept in crush cages preventing all movement
Bear bile farming was banned in Vietnam but continues illegally
Dancing bears were used in entertainment across South Asia and were largely eliminated by 2009
Bears can range over 1000 square kilometres in the wild

Welfare Considerations

Bears in bile farms experience continuous physical and psychological suffering. The extraction of bile through abdominal catheters causes pain and infection. Permanent confinement in crush cages causes severe muscle atrophy and stereotypic behaviours. Rescued bears frequently display permanent neurological damage from years of confinement. Even in zoo settings, the territorial and foraging needs of bears are rarely adequately met.

What You Can Do

Never purchase bear bile products or traditional medicines containing bear bile
Support Animals Asia Foundation and Bear Bile Campaign
Advocate for enforcement of bear bile farming bans
Choose zoos with demonstrated bear welfare standards over those with inadequate facilities
Support sanctuary placements for bears rescued from captivity