Bear bile farming represents one of the most egregious forms of animal exploitation still practiced today, primarily in parts of Asia. Thousands of bears, predominantly Asiatic Black Bears [Ursus thibetanus] (also known as Moon Bears), Sun Bears [Helarctos malayanus], and Brown Bears [Ursus arctos], are confined in tiny cages and subjected to invasive procedures to extract bile from their gallbladders. This bile is used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like liver disease, fever, and inflammation, despite the availability of effective synthetic and herbal alternatives. The practice, which began in the 1980s as a supposed conservation measure to reduce poaching of wild bears, has instead fueled demand and caused immense suffering for captive animals.
The origins and methods of bear bile extraction
Bear bile farming originated in China in the early 1980s, when the government promoted it as a way to meet the demand for bear bile without depleting wild populations. The active ingredient in bear bile, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), was believed to have medicinal properties, but farming quickly expanded to countries like Vietnam, South Korea, Laos, and Myanmar. Today, an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 bears remain trapped in this industry across Asia, with China hosting the majority.
The extraction methods are barbaric. Bears are often captured as cubs and confined to “crush cages” so small they cannot stand, turn around, or even lie down comfortably—sometimes for up to 30 years. Bile is harvested through surgical fistulas or catheters inserted into the gallbladder, creating permanent open wounds that drain fluid daily. These procedures are painful, often performed without proper anesthesia, and lead to chronic infections, hernias, tumors, and liver cancer. Bears endure physical deformities from the confinement, severe malnutrition, and psychological trauma, with some resorting to self-harm or suicide attempts to escape the agony.
In some farms, bears are sedated with ketamine or restrained in metal jackets during extractions, but neglect is rampant. Contaminated bile poses health risks to consumers, including exposure to bacteria, pus, and feces. Despite claims that farming protects wild bears, it has increased poaching by boosting overall demand for bile products.
The toll on bears and the environment
The welfare concerns are profound. Bears in these facilities suffer from muscle atrophy, bone deformities, and open wounds that never heal. Many die prematurely from diseases like cholecystitis or cancer, while survivors live in constant pain and distress. Environmentally, the practice threatens endangered species like the Moon Bear, listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, as poaching continues to supply farms or meet preferences for “wild” bile.
Ironically, UDCA was first synthesized in Japan in 1957, and affordable alternatives like herbal remedies exist, making the cruelty entirely unnecessary. Yet, the industry persists due to cultural beliefs and profit, with bile sold in forms like powders, teas, and even shampoos.
Organizations leading the charge against bear bile farming
Fortunately, a global movement is gaining momentum to end this inhumane trade. Several organizations have dedicated decades to rescuing bears, advocating for bans, and promoting alternatives. Their efforts have led to significant victories, such as South Korea’s complete ban on bear bile farming effective January 2026, which will relocate remaining bears to sanctuaries.
- Animals Asia: Founded by Jill Robinson in 1998, this organization is a pioneer in ending bear bile farming. They’ve rescued over 700 bears and operate sanctuaries in China and Vietnam, providing lifelong care. Animals Asia partners with governments, like in Vietnam where they’ve helped reduce farmed bears from thousands to around 300 through rescues and demand-reduction campaigns. Their work includes lobbying for policy changes and educating communities on alternatives. As of 2026, they are actively pushing for the rescue of the final 150 bears in Vietnam under a historic government agreement, emphasizing that this year must turn commitments into action to prevent further suffering.
- World Animal Protection: This international group campaigns to phase out bear bile farming through their “Wildlife. Not Medicine” initiative. They’ve achieved a 96% decline in Vietnam since 2005 and supported South Korea’s ban. They collaborate with local partners like Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV) to enforce laws, reduce consumption, and encourage voluntary farm closures. Since partnering with Green Korea United in 2003, they’ve advocated for better welfare and helped secure the 2026 breeding ban in South Korea, while now focusing on phasing out the industry in China, the last major stronghold.
- FOUR PAWS: Focused on Vietnam, FOUR PAWS rescues bile bears and operates sanctuaries. They’ve highlighted the plight of fewer than 250 bears remaining on farms, advocating for their transfer to safe havens and pushing for stricter enforcement against illegal extractions. Since establishing the BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh in 2017, they’ve contributed to a 96% reduction in bile bears nationwide, with special emphasis on Hanoi as the remaining hotspot, working alongside local authorities to monitor farms and confiscate unregistered bears.
- Free the Bears: Since 1995, this group has rescued hundreds of bears from bile farms in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. They run sanctuaries where bears can recover and exhibit natural behaviors, and they work on anti-poaching efforts to prevent cubs from entering the trade. Founded by Mary Hutton, they’ve achieved milestones like the first bile farm closure in Laos in 2025, rescuing bears from horrific conditions and providing lifelong care, while collaborating with governments to combat illegal wildlife trade.
- Humane World (Humane Society International): In South Korea, HSI’s affiliate supports Project Moon Bear, which rescues and rehabs bears from farms. They’ve funded sanctuaries and advocated for the 2026 ban, ensuring bears are relocated humanely. Through Project Moon Bear, they’ve provided peaceful sanctuaries for rescued bears, allowing them to climb, forage, and recover, and played a key role in the ban’s implementation, which ends breeding and extraction while overseeing the relocation of remaining bears.
Other groups like Animal Defenders International (ADI) raise awareness globally, campaigning against bear exploitation and celebrating victories like South Korea’s ban, while the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has campaigned against farm expansions in China since the 1990s, pioneering rescues and lobbying to reduce the industry’s growth. These organizations often collaborate, sharing resources for rescues and policy advocacy.
A path forward: hope amid ongoing challenges
While progress is evident—Vietnam is nearing eradication, and South Korea has ended the practice—the fight continues in China, where over 20,000 bears still suffer. Public pressure, education, and international support are key to phasing out this cruelty entirely. By supporting these organizations through donations or advocacy, individuals can help ensure no more bears endure a life of torment for an outdated and replaceable product. The end of bear bile farming is within reach, promising a kinder future for these intelligent, sentient animals.
