Bear bile farming is a cruel practice that traps bears in tiny, barren cages for their entire lives, harvesting their bile for traditional medicine. These bears endure unimaginable suffering, from extreme loneliness to hunger, heat stress, and severe mental and physical ailments, often leading to premature death. Once promoted as a way to conserve wild bear populations, the industry has only fueled demand for bile, driving illegal poaching and perpetuating a cycle of abuse.
In the shadows of Quynh Yen, Vietnam, our undercover investigation uncovered two illegal bear bile farms, where bears are kept alive in wretched conditions with the aid of antibiotics. Despite the dangers and deception surrounding these operations, our campaign—Free Boo the Bear—is fighting to liberate these animals. Though we've already coordinated the rescue of several bile bears, many still remain trapped, and we need your help to secure their freedom and put an end to this inhumane practice.
What is Bear Bile Farming?
Bear bile farming involves confining bile bears in small, barren cages to harvest bile from their gall bladders for the traditional medicine trade. These sick bears face extreme loneliness, dehydration, and stress, leading to severe mental and physical health issues. The practice has been widely condemned for its brutality and negative impacts on both bear populations and conservation efforts, particularly affecting the Asiatic black bears, commonly referred to as moon bears.
Why Are Bears Farmed for Their Bile?
Bear bile contains high levels of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a substance believed to treat various health conditions, including liver and gall bladder issues, depression, rheumatism, COVID-19, cancer, and convulsions. Despite the availability of modern alternatives, the demand for bear bile products continues to fuel the cycle of abuse.
How is Bile Removed From Bears?
The methods used to extract bile from live bears are both invasive and painful. Though different countries employ various techniques, all cause significant harm to the animals.
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The Metal Jacket Method: Once common, this method involved locking bears in crushing metal jackets to hold gall bladder catheters in place. While now illegal in China, some suspect it continues in unregulated areas.
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The Free-Drip Method: A metal tube is inserted into a slit in the bear’s gall bladder, allowing bile to drain over time. Though this method seems less invasive, it causes infections and chronic pain.
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Vietnam's Needle Extraction: In Vietnam, bears are sedated, and a long needle is used to extract bile. This method is especially dangerous, as it is done illegally with no proper training.
The Origins of Bear Bile Farming
When did bear bile farming begin? The use of bear bile in traditional Chinese medicine dates back thousands of years, first appearing in medical texts as early as 659 CE. However, bear bile farming as we know it today began in the 1980s as a way to meet the growing demand for bile without killing the animals. Unfortunately, this method only perpetuates their suffering.
The Vicious Cycle of Abuse
Initially promoted as a means of conserving bear populations, bear bile farming has had the opposite effect. Many bile bears on farms cannot breed due to the cruel conditions, leading poachers to capture replacements from the wild. This perpetuates a vicious cycle of exploitation, fueling the demand for bear bile products and driving populations toward extinction.
Alternatives to Bear Bile Farming
Modern advancements have led to the development of plant-based and synthetic alternatives to bear bile that offer equivalent therapeutic benefits without relying on animal cruelty. Herbal remedies are gaining traction in regions traditionally reliant on bear bile, facilitated by community gardens aimed at fostering a shift away from this harmful practice.
Synthetic ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), available under brand names like Actigall and Ursofalk, represents a potential cruelty-free alternative. While synthetic UDCA is produced without animal involvement, it’s important to note that some production methods may involve animal-derived bile from cows or pigs, which does not align with cruelty-free standards.
How Can We Stop Bear Bile Farming?
Ending bear bile farming requires global support and a shift in cultural practices. By signing petitions, donating to rescue organisations, and spreading awareness, you can help protect these animals. Encouraging the use of alternatives, whether plant-based or synthetic, will reduce demand and bring us closer to ending this cruel practice.
Boo: The Poster Child for The Illegal Wildlife Trade.
In August 2018, Verify Humanity's undercover investigation uncovered two illegal bear farms in Quynh Yen and Quynh Luu, Nghe An Province, Vietnam. Farm 1 had nine bears, while Farm 2 housed four. After a violent riot and attempted kidnap, three bears were successfully released on May 30th, 2019, thanks to our persistence and persuasion of the local Nghe An Authorities.
Since then, three bears—Lulu, Lac, and Lili—have been rescued and are now thriving at a Four Paws bear sanctuary. They are finally experiencing the joy of freedom, playing together under the sun after spending their lives confined in darkness, merely gazing at one another through bars.
However, the remaining ten bears are still waiting for justice. Dubbed the #UntouchableBears, these animals face immense challenges as rescue efforts have proven exceedingly difficult. The illegal bear bile farm business is part of, and therefore hidden behind, a national network of legal businesses. The farmers and local villagers have shown a willingness to resort to violence to protect their operations, creating a dangerous environment for rescuers.
Despite these obstacles, our campaign is making strides. Through public awareness and advocacy, we continue to share the heartbreaking stories of these bile bears. Our founder, Kate Fox, has even captured video evidence exposing the cruelty within these illegal farms, which is critical in our fight for their freedom.
Join the Fight to Free The Bears!
You can be part of this important mission. Here are ways to get involved:
Sign the Petition: Your voice matters! By signing our petition, you can amplify our call for the Vietnamese government to act and rescue the remaining bears.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media. Every post helps raise awareness about the horrors of bear bile farming and brings us closer to safety for all bears.
Engage with Local Representatives: We’re actively communicating with MPs and policymakers to keep the momentum going, and you can do the same! Please write to your local MP to tell them about Boo and his friends.
Together, we can bring sanctuary and freedom to these bears. Help us continue our mission to end the cruelty of bear bile farming and ensure that all bears can live freely, away from suffering.
Image Gallery of Rescued Bears
Making Friends & Playing Outside
For the first time, these bears are able to interact and play without the constraints of their past. Once isolated in dark, cramped quarters, they now bask in the sun and form bonds that were previously impossible. Here's a touching moment between Lili and Lulu, who have quickly become best friends.
Lili and Lulu, photo with thanks from Four Paws
Our Undercover Investigation into Bear Bile Farms
Uncovering the Truth Behind Illegal Bear Bile Farming
Our undercover investigation revealed the horrific realities of two illegal bear bile farms in Quynh Yen and Quynh Luu, Nghe An Province, Vietnam. The bile bears trapped in these facilities endure wretched conditions, confined to tiny cages and surviving on antibiotics. Their path to freedom is fraught with challenges, as rescue efforts are often dangerous, shrouded in a web of deception and concealment.
Despite these obstacles, compassionate individuals and organisations are fighting for the liberation of the bile bears in Nghe An Province. The case of Boo the Bear and the Nghe An 13 is rapidly becoming a symbol of Vietnam's ongoing illegal wildlife trade.
In an unusual move, we have made the detailed facts of our investigation public to aid supporting governments and NGOs in taking action. The case has garnered significant attention, winning an Honourable Mention in the International Photography Awards and a screening at the International Vegan Film Festival 2020. Additionally, it has been featured in several publications, including The Diplomat.
Overview of the Case
Our investigation began in August 2018, uncovering two illegal bear farms in Quynh Yen and Quynh Luu. Farm 1 housed nine bears, while Farm 2 contained four. On May 30, 2019, the Nghe An Authorities were persuaded to release three bears from Farm 1 after a violent riot and attempted kidnapping.
Although the farmer, Nguyen Duc Duy, claims that the remaining six bears are legal or have damaged microchips, evidence from our investigation indicates they are unchipped, were poached from Laos, and are being exploited for commercial bile extraction.
Evidence of Illegality
1. Bears Visibly Too Young to Be Legal:
A 2005 microchip program registered all captive bears in Vietnam, meaning legally owned bears must be at least 15 years old. Our investigation revealed that the nine bears on Farm 1 were small and young, making them illegal. Farm 2 also contained one smaller bear and three slightly larger bears. The larger bears displayed no signs of adulthood, such as broken teeth or calloused paws, and only exhibited a long-haired neck ruff when agitated. (See our video footage for evidence)
2. Microchip Excuses Are Irrelevant:
Given that the bears were visibly too young to be legal, Duc Duy’s claims regarding broken microchips are irrelevant. The Nghe An Authorities should have confiscated the bears immediately without question.
3. Rescue Team Confirms Bears Are Illegal:
During the rescue of three bears from Farm 1, Emily Lloyd from Four Paws stated, “It was pretty sad to have to leave the others behind, especially seeing that some were also young and therefore illegal bears.” This confirms that the remaining bears do not meet legal requirements.
4. No Registered Bear Cubs in Nghe An Province:
A common excuse for possessing illegal bear cubs is to claim they were born on the farm. However, based on microchipping data, there are no bear cubs registered in Quynh Luu or any other farm in Nghe An Province.
5. Nguyen Duc Duy Admits Bears Are Illegal:
In the video/audio entitled ‘Wildlife Farmer Admits Bears Are Illegal,’ Duy reveals that some of his bears used to be microchipped but that none of them are currently. This admission indicates awareness of his illegal activities.
6. Oxford University Academic Confirms Bears Are Illegal:
An Oxford academic corroborated the translator’s claims in the ‘Wildlife Farmer Admits Bears Are Illegal’ video, stating that Duy “admitted that they first bought these bears illegally” and “is aware that he is keeping the bears illegally.”
7. Farmer Admits to Buying Bear Cubs from Laos:
In a video titled 'Vietnamese Translator's Evidence,' the farmer admitted to the translator that he purchased the bears as 1kg cubs from Laos. Since Asiatic Black Bears are classified as CITES Appendix I species, this violates international conservation laws. Duy also mentioned that the bears range from ages 3 to 5 years, with at least one being only 7 months old.
8. Wildlife Crime Unit (ENV) Corroborates Information:
Education for Nature Vietnam’s Wildlife Crime Unit conducted an independent undercover investigation on Farm 1 before attempting to confiscate the bears. However, an investigation into Farm 2 was never executed.
9. Duc Duy Tries to Get the Bears Microchipped:
Following the initial investigation that highlighted his illegal activities, Duc Duy approached an NGO to microchip the bears, indicating his awareness of the legal repercussions of his actions.
All Videos
Evidence of Commercial Level Exploitation
1. Duc Duy Illegally Extracts Large Quantities of Bile:
Although it is illegal to extract bile from bears, proving commercial motivation increases the likelihood of action from authorities. Our investigation captured video evidence showing Duc Duy extracting approximately 300ml of bile from three bears on Farm 2. Given that bile must be stored in a fridge and used relatively quickly, the extraction of such a large quantity indicates commercial intent. At an approximate value of $2 per ml, this could yield Duc Duy around $600, showcasing a clear profit-driven motive.
2. Bear Bile Production Line:
Photos from our investigation depict individuals bottling and labeling bile in Nguyen Duc Duy’s dining room (see below). The presence of labeling clearly indicates a commercial purpose, as personal use would not require such actions. This further supports the claim that Duy is operating a business centered around the illegal sale of bear bile.
3. Online Illegal Wildlife Platform and Bear Bile Hotline:
Bile from the two farms is sold via an online shop and a 24-hour bear bile hotline based in Hanoi. Details of this operation have been withheld to protect the bears from potential harm, but the existence of such a platform highlights the organised nature of this illegal trade. The dealer, Tran Quang Hong, operates in conjunction with his brother, Tran Quang Huan, who works on Duc Duy's farms, indicating a network of exploitation.
4. Online Illegal Wildlife Platform Linked to a Network of Legal Businesses:
The illegal wildlife platform is not an isolated operation; it is part of a national network of legal businesses that allows illegal activities to persist under the guise of legitimacy. This complicates rescue efforts and underscores the extensive nature of the wildlife trade in Vietnam.
Photos of the Production Line:
Extraction, bottling, labelling and back street deals.
Evidence of Violence During Rescues
1. Education for Nature Vietnam Wildlife Crime Unit Press Release - 31/5/19
"ENV undertook what was without doubt our riskiest bear mission to date. This included a hair-raising standoff with stone-throwing villagers who piled straw around the ENV inspection team’s vehicle and threatened to set fire to the car if the team did not submit themselves into their custody. The ugly standoff only ended after intervention by the Forest Protection Department enabled our team to beat a tactical retreat."
2. VINTUST CO LTD
"I confirm that ***** is a driver of my company. He went to Nghe An for ENV -. He also talk to me that had a fight. Some people prevented our car with bad atitude. He was so scared of them." - We have contact details of the driver upon request.
3. Four Paws - Emily Lloyd (attended bear rescue at Farm 1)
"It was really stressful (we did the whole rescue in one hour) and quite hostile."
"There was no way it would have been possible for us to check the other bears with our own chip reader due to the tense situation."
4. Tuan Bendixsen - Director of Animals Asia Vietnam
"In 2007 we were chased off a bear farm in Quynh luu while trying to rescue 2 cubs and an immature bear. The central Forest Protection Department led the rescue with a contingency of around 50 officers including police but all to no avail. Those bears were never rescued, we don't know where they are now."
Images of the Rescue:
Veterinarian assistance and release forms
Help Rescue the Remaining Bears
Once unable to escape the breathtaking heat and humidity, Lac can now enjoy the pleasure of a cooling bath with friends at Four Paws Sanctuary.
Lac and Friend: Image with thanks to Four Paws Sanctuary.
We urge you to help rescue the remaining ten bears still suffering in captivity in Nghe An Province. Your support is crucial in this fight against illegal bear bile farming and the products derived from it.