Bear Bile Farming’s Toll and the Path to Rehabilitation

Bear Bile Farming’s Toll and the Path to Rehabilitation

Bear bile, sought for its medicinal compound UDCA, fuels a hidden industry of confinement and pain. What begins as extraction leaves deep, lasting scars — physiological and psychological. Yet, recovery, while difficult, is possible.

We’ll discuss:

• Why bear bile is farmed: the demand for UDCA in traditional medicine.
• Ending the trade: shifting to synthetic and plant-based alternatives, enforcing bans, and supporting sanctuaries.
• The rehabilitation journey: enrichment and care for rescued bears, addressing trauma that lingers long after the cage is opened.
• What long-term recovery reveals: behavioural challenges and ongoing resilience.