Vietnam’s bile trade will soon be history as last 310 bears are rescued
#1
Written by Jemima Webber

Published: May 26, 2022


The last 310 bears being kept at bile farms across Vietnam will soon be free, thanks to a 28-year initiative driven by the Animals Asia team.

Officially established in 1998, Animals Asia campaigns for improved conditions and rights for various species across Asia. It operates award-winning sanctuaries in Vietnam and China (and is the only organization with a bear sanctuary in the latter).

These sanctuaries are home to hundreds of bears who were rescued from the bile trade.



What is bile farming?


In order to extract bile from their gallbladders, bears are subject to invasive, painful procedures. The bile, thought to have healing properties, is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It also appears in some household products like shampoo and toothpaste.

Demand for bile products comes predominantly from Asia, but such items are also found in Australia, Canada, and the US.

According to Animals Asia, the “cruel” trade is a source of “extreme suffering” for thousands of bears across the world’s largest and most populous continent.

One of the most “humane” bile extraction methods involves creating a permanent open passage in the animals’ gallbladder via their abdomen. The surgery – rarely performed by a veterinarian – often results in infections, many of which become fatal.

The way the animals are housed is similarly disturbing, the charity says. Bears are permanently kept in metal cages; many are so small that bears are left unable to turn around or stand on all fours.

Some bears are caged as cubs, and held captive for up to 30 years.



Rescuing bears from bile farms


Animals Asia has rescued 640 bears from the trade to date. With its bear rescue center in Tam Dao, Vietnam, approaching capacity, the nonprofit has announced a new sanctuary that will take in all of the remaining farmed bears in Vietnam.

The 12-hectare sanctuary, situated in the mountainous surroundings of the Bach Ma National Park, will be unveiled tomorrow (May 27). And when all farmed bears in Vietnam are freed and released into the sanctuary, the country’s bear bile trade will officially be history.

“This is a proud moment for humanity, Animals Asia, Vietnam, and our supporters around the
world”, commented Animals Asia founder and CEO Jill Robinson. “Together, in collaboration with the Vietnam government, we bring about this milestone in protecting wildlife across the country.”

In 2017, Animals Asia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Vietnamese government, committing to the closure of all bear farms in Vietnam.

The MOU outlined an agreement between the two parties, which would see them working together to free the then-1,000 animals who were still in the industry.

Speaking on the new sanctuary, Robinson added: “Today we show that courage, empathy, tenacity, and determination have brought about significant change, as we step up and demonstrate the way forward in helping to save the world’s vulnerable species.”



The bear rescue center in Tam Dao, Vietnam.
[Image: fkT9AHyk_o.jpg]

[Image: qZ2puuHu_o.jpg]

[Image: lmaAyCgF_o.jpg]



https://plantbasednews.org/culture/ethic...s-rescued/
Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  The three ‘norths’ combine over Great Britain for the first time in history Resurgence 0 4,829 Nov 09, 2022, 14:39 pm
Last Post: Resurgence
  Philippines considering connecting to Russian financial messaging system for trade Resurgence 0 5,441 Jun 24, 2022, 00:57 am
Last Post: Resurgence
  Argentina wants to become a member of BRICS as soon as possible: Ambassador Resurgence 0 5,513 Jun 23, 2022, 01:19 am
Last Post: Resurgence
  US: Grocery prices surged 14.3% in May versus last year, study finds Resurgence 0 5,755 Jun 22, 2022, 00:56 am
Last Post: Resurgence
  India proposes to trade with Russia in rupees for oil and arms procurement Resurgence 0 5,449 Jun 16, 2022, 16:52 pm
Last Post: Resurgence



Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)