The Dark Side of Bear Bile Farming in Southeast Asia
Beneath the glittering economies and rapid modernization in Southeast Asia, a cruel commercial trade lurks in the shadows – bear bile farming. This practice involves extracting bile from bear gallbladders in a crude method, often using painful and inhumane methods.
The Truth Behind Bear Bile Farming
Bear cubs, mostly brown bears, sun bears, and moon bears, are snatched from their mothers and caged in squalid conditions by bile farming operators. These bears are subjected to painful bile extractions, often kept in tiny cages for up to 20 years. The American National Library of Medicine describes the extraction method as the "free-dripping fistula technique", where non-veterinarians insert a catheter into the bear gallbladders to drain the bile.
The Consequences
The bears are left to suffer without medical attention, and some die due to contamination or cancer. The bile is then extracted and turned into powders, capsules, and ointments, used in traditional medicine to cure inflammation, fever, detoxification, and reduce swelling or pain.
The Efforts to Stop Bear Bile Farming
World Animal Protection, a global organization, has been working tirelessly for over 70 years to end animal exploitation. They have been campaigning against bear bile farming and have made significant progress in Vietnam and South Korea.
A Silver Lining
Growing awareness and strict law enforcement in Vietnam and South Korea have helped to save the bears held in captivity. Vietnam celebrated a milestone achievement in October when it managed to shut down bile farms with the help of World Animal Protection. The numbers of bears in captivity have dropped from 4,000 in 2005 to 192 in 2024, a 95% reduction.
Conclusion
Bear bile farming is a cruel and inhumane practice that has been thriving in Southeast Asia for decades. However, with growing awareness and strict law enforcement, there is hope for an end to this industry. World Animal Protection and its partners are working relentlessly to stop the exploitation of bears and protect them from further suffering.
FAQs
Q: What is bear bile farming?
A: Bear bile farming is the practice of extracting bile from bear gallbladders in a crude method, often using painful and inhumane methods.
Q: Why is bear bile farming practiced?
A: Bear bile farming is practiced for the production of traditional medicine, which is believed to have healing properties.
Q: Is bear bile farming legal?
A: No, bear bile farming is illegal in many countries, including Vietnam and South Korea, where it has been banned.
Q: What can be done to stop bear bile farming?
A: Public awareness campaigns, strict law enforcement, and international cooperation can help to stop bear bile farming and protect bears from further suffering.
Q: What is World Animal Protection doing to stop bear bile farming?
A: World Animal Protection is a global organization that has been working tirelessly for over 70 years to end animal exploitation. They have been campaigning against bear bile farming and have made significant progress in Vietnam and South Korea.