Ending Bear Bile Farming in Laos PDR

Saving bears through rescue and rehabilitation

Thanks to the long-standing efforts of Free the Bears working in close cooperation with the Government of Laos, progress is being made to end the illegal bear bile industry in the country.

Suitable facilities for the placement of confiscated animals are vital in the fight against illegal wildlife trade. For the rescued bears, a life-long sanctuary is required. To support government-led wildlife law enforcement efforts, Free the Bears manages two world-class wildlife rescue facilities for rescued Sun and Asiatic Black Bears in Luang Prabang province. The first, Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre started in 2003. With the increasing number of rescues, development for the much-needed Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary (LPWS) began in 2017. In addition to the two bear species found in Laos PDR— the Asiatic Black Bear and Sun Bear—LPWS has cared for more than 30 other species of wildlife rescued from illegal trade including the critically endangered Sunda and Chinese Pangolin.  Mandai Nature is proud to contribute to the provision of a new lease of life for these rescued animals.

A second chance amid declining demand

The welfare of the bears is priority, with continual building of veterinary and husbandry capacities. The LPWS bear houses come fully equipped with facilities such as climbing towers, pools, caves, aerial walkways, and hammocks – designed to give their residents the best quality of life possible. Expansions and improvements continue, ensuring that sufficient and suitable facilities are available for rescued bears and wildlife whenever required.  

Despite the many challenges, the overall number of bear bile farms and the number of bears held in bile farms have indicated positive signs of decline. There are estimated to be 100 bears held in farms in 2020. We continue to stand behind Free the Bears in their goal to end the practice of bear bile farming in Laos PDR and provide life-long care facilities for rescued bears in a world-class sanctuary environment.