There are 149 bears kept in captivity for bile production

The Education for Nature Center (ENV) said that as of December, there were 149 bears kept in captivity on farms for bile collection purposes, down 145 individuals compared to 2022. In the past 20 years, the number of bears in captivity has decreased by 96.3%, from 4,300.

Hanoi continues to be a hot spot with 74 individuals in captivity, accounting for 49%. ENV assesses that in recent years, under the direction of relevant agencies, Hanoi has implemented many measures to strengthen the management of this activity.

In 2025, only three bears in Phuc Tho commune will be transferred to the rescue center. “At this rate, if not taking into account the number of bears that die naturally, Hanoi will need nearly 19 years to completely end bear farming,” ENV said.

ENV recorded many illegal acts related to bears including illegally extracting and trading bear bile; buying and selling dead bears from establishments to process and trade bear parts such as bones, gallbladders, and meat; Kill old bears and replace them by taking electronic chips from these individuals to implant into new bears of natural origin to maintain captivity and illegal bile exploitation.

The Nature Education Center also expressed concern about the possibility that old bears in farms will be replaced by illegal bear cubs.

The Department of Forestry and Forest Protection – Ministry of Agriculture and Environment hopes to completely eliminate bear bile farming by the end of 2026. However, to achieve this goal, ENV believes that the Hanoi city government, especially the forest rangers, need to promote a comprehensive campaign to completely end bear farming activities. The campaign needs to focus on accelerating voluntary transfer activities, monitoring and strictly handling violations to create deterrence and prevent recidivism.

According to the World Animal Protection Organization, keeping bears in captivity for the purpose of extracting bile is a threat to the species as well as wildlife populations. This does not contribute to crossbreeding because on a small scale, bear cubs will be inbred and unable to survive. Those that have been raised in captivity have no chance of living in the wild.