Bear Bile Farm Phase-Out Progress

China has reduced bear bile farm numbers from over 400 to fewer than 70 in recent decades under pressure from domestic and international campaigns, with rehabilitated bears demonstrating recovery at accredited sanctuaries.

Key Facts

China peak bear bile farm numbers exceeded 400 facilities in the early 2000s
Numbers have declined to fewer than 70 active farms under Animals Asia campaign pressure
Rehabilitated bile farm bears at Animals Asia sanctuaries show behavioral recovery over years
Traditional medicine practitioners and manufacturers have increasingly adopted plant-based alternatives
Complete phase-out faces resistance from remaining producers and some traditional medicine advocates

Welfare Considerations

The reduction in bear bile farming in China represents one of the most significant welfare campaign achievements for a specific industry in recent decades. Former bile farm bears that reach Animals Asia sanctuaries demonstrate recovery — bears that spent decades in metal crates develop normal social interactions and exploratory behavior over years of appropriate care. This recovery confirms that the suffering of bile farm bears was real and reversible, and validates continued pressure for complete phase-out.

What You Can Do

Donate to Animals Asia Foundation supporting bear sanctuary operations and farm phase-out campaigns
Raise awareness about bear bile farming phase-out progress and remaining challenges
Avoid traditional medicines containing bear bile and encourage alternatives
Support international pressure on Chinese government for complete phase-out
Advocate for synthetic and plant-based alternatives to bear bile in traditional medicine contexts