Sun bears are held captive in bile farming operations across South-East Asia, with rescue sanctuaries rehabilitating bears rescued from cages but facing significant constraints in caring for traumatised individuals.
Bears held in bile extraction cages experience constant pain from surgical implants, psychological trauma from confinement in cages too small to stand, and permanent physical damage to the abdomen and liver. Rescued individuals require years of rehabilitation with specialist enrichment, social integration, and veterinary care. Many bears never fully recover normal behavioural repertoires. Sanctuaries face capacity limits and funding constraints that affect the quality and scope of care available.