Farm Animals

Bear Bile Farming and Its Abolition

Bear bile farming subjects thousands of bears to lifelong suffering in tiny cages for a bile product that has effective herbal and synthetic alternatives.

Key Facts

Over 12,000 bears are farmed for bile in China, Vietnam, and Laos
Extraction is performed via catheters or open wounds without adequate analgesia
Farmed bears suffer severe physical and psychological deterioration
Bile compounds can be synthesized or replaced with herbal alternatives
Vietnam committed to phasing out bear farming but enforcement is weak

Welfare Considerations

Bear bile farming is widely considered one of the most egregious ongoing welfare crises in Asia. Bears confined in crush cages unable to stand, turn, or engage in any natural behavior develop severe stereotypies, wounds, and organ failure. The Traditional Medicine markets that sustain bile farming can be served by available alternatives — advocacy must target demand alongside supply.

What You Can Do

Never purchase products containing bear bile
Support Animals Asia Foundation and other organizations rescuing bile bears
Advocate for your government to pressure bear-farming countries diplomatically
Educate others about the availability of herbal and synthetic alternatives to bear bile