Bear bile farming, practiced primarily in China, Vietnam, and South Korea, causes severe chronic suffering for thousands of bears. This page examines the issue and advocacy options.
Bear bile farming is one of the most extreme examples of animal suffering in commercial farming. Bears are confined for years or decades in cages that prevent normal movement, causing severe psychological distress expressed as stereotypies and self-directed aggression. Bile extraction methods — including catheter implants and open abdominal wounds in older facilities — cause chronic pain, infection, and organ damage. The justification is demand for bear bile in traditional medicine, but effective synthetic and herbal alternatives exist for all documented medical uses. The practice is declining in Vietnam following successful campaigns but remains significant in China.