Bear bile farming, which extracts bile from captive bears using metal catheters or permanent holes in their abdomen, is one of the most extreme welfare violations in commercial animal exploitation.
Bear bile farming represents one of the most extreme cases of institutionalised animal suffering in commercial production. Bears confined for their entire lives in crush cages, subjected to repeated painful extractions, show severe stereotypic behaviours and physical deterioration. The synthesis of ursodeoxycholic acid makes bear bile farming entirely unnecessary — synthetic alternatives are widely available and less expensive. The persistence of the industry is driven by traditional preference and profit rather than medical necessity. Animals Asia Foundation has made significant progress in working with Chinese and Vietnamese authorities to phase out the practice, but thousands of bears remain on farms.