Wildlife Trade

Sun Bear: Bile Farming and Habitat Loss in Southeast Asia

Sun bears face dual threats from bile farming — where bears are kept in tiny cages for bile extraction — and deforestation across their Southeast Asian range.

Key Facts

Smallest bear species; native to Southeast Asian tropical forests
Bile farming involves surgical fistulas or repeated extraction from living bears
An estimated 12,000+ bears are held on bile farms in Asia
Sun bears are also poached for paws, gallbladders, and as pets
Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN; population declining

Welfare Considerations

Bile farming causes profound suffering: bears are confined in cages too small to turn around, subjected to repeated painful extractions, and suffer from infections, muscle atrophy, and psychological distress. Bears on farms show stereotypic behaviors indicating severe stress. Sanctuary rescue dramatically improves welfare.

What You Can Do

Support Animals Asia Foundation's bear rescue and sanctuary program
Never purchase bear bile products or traditional medicines containing bear bile
Advocate for bear bile farming bans in countries where it remains legal
Donate to Free the Bears conservation and sanctuary work in Southeast Asia