The Welfare of Captive Bears in Asia

Bears in Asia face welfare crises from bile farming, performance training, and tourist attraction use.

Key Facts

Over 12,000 bears are kept in bile farms across Asia
Dancing bears in India have largely been eliminated through successful NGO campaigns
Sun bears are kept as tourist attractions throughout Southeast Asia
Bear sanctuaries in China, Vietnam, and elsewhere provide lifetime care for rescued bears

Welfare Considerations

Captive bear welfare in Asia spans multiple exploitation contexts. Bile farming keeps bears in the most intensive confinement — chronic pain, severe space restriction, and complete behavioral deprivation. Tourist attraction bears in Southeast Asia are kept in small enclosures used for photo opportunities. Dancing bears were trained through severe methods but successful rehabilitation and release programs have largely ended this practice in India. Well-resourced sanctuaries like Animals Asia bear sanctuaries provide rehabilitation and lifetime care for bears who cannot be released.

What You Can Do

Support Animals Asia and other organizations rescuing bile farm bears
Avoid all bear performances and tourist attraction interactions
Support legislation banning bear bile products and their sale
Raise awareness about the multiple forms of captive bear exploitation in Asia