Welfare Science

Bear Bile Farming Welfare and Industry Reform

Bear bile farming in China and Vietnam involves extracting bile from living bears, causing severe welfare suffering. International campaigns and legal alternatives have reduced but not eliminated the practice.

Key Facts

An estimated 12,000 bears are held in bile farming operations in China and Vietnam
Bile is extracted through permanent catheters or repeated invasive procedures
Herbal and synthetic alternatives to bear bile exist for all traditional uses
Vietnam committed to phasing out bear farms, with remaining farms under government monitoring

Welfare Considerations

Bear bile extraction causes severe and sustained suffering through confinement, surgical procedures and stress. Consumer and government pressure for alternatives, combined with sanctuary support for rescued bears, are the primary welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Avoid any traditional medicine products containing bear bile
Support Animals Asia Foundation bear sanctuary and rescue programmes
Advocate for trade restrictions on bear bile through government representatives