“China’s Yaan Bifengxia Zoo Faces Outrage for Selling Medicinal Tiger Urine”

A zoo in China is making headlines, but not for the reasons it had hoped. The Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo in Sichuan province, southwestern China, has sparked widespread outrage after promoting tiger urine as a cure for various health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. The zoo claimed that mixing white wine with the urine of Siberian tigers produces a “good therapeutic effect.”

According to the zoo, the concoction of tiger urine and wine is said to offer medicinal benefits, drawing on traditional beliefs that animal products, especially from rare species, have healing properties. This claim, however, has been met with criticism and disbelief from both the public and animal rights activists. Many have expressed concern over the ethics of using animal urine in such treatments, particularly when it involves endangered species like Siberian tigers.

The zoo has reportedly sold the urine at a price of ₹600 (about 100 yuan) per bottle, further igniting backlash. Critics argue that promoting such practices not only risks the welfare of the animals but also perpetuates harmful superstitions and pseudoscience. In addition to the moral concerns, there are questions regarding the legality and regulation of such activities in wildlife conservation and animal protection.

As the controversy spreads, the zoo’s actions have brought attention to the often controversial practices of wildlife parks in China, where animal products are sometimes marketed for medicinal use. The incident raises serious ethical questions about the exploitation of animals for profit and the growing demand for exotic remedies that often have no scientific backing.

Experts and animal welfare groups have called for stricter regulations on such practices, stressing the importance of preserving the dignity and safety of endangered species and discouraging the commercialization of animal body parts for unverified health benefits. The incident continues to fuel debates over the intersection of traditional medicine, animal conservation, and public health.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the controversy came to light when a visitor at the Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo shared the information on social media. The zoo was found selling 250g bottles of Siberian tiger urine for 50 yuan (approximately $7 or ₹600) each. The post quickly went viral, drawing attention to the zoo’s promotion of the urine as a “therapeutic” remedy for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

This revelation has ignited public outrage and raised serious ethical concerns, with many questioning the welfare of the endangered Siberian tigers and the legitimacy of such claims. The incident has sparked widespread discussions on social media, with animal rights activists and experts calling for stronger regulations to prevent the exploitation of animals for profit and unsupported medical treatments.

Apply or drink?

According to the South China Morning Post, the text on the bottles of Siberian tiger urine sold at the Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo claims that the product has therapeutic effects for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and muscle pain. The instructions suggest mixing the urine with white wine before applying it to the affected area using ginger slices. The zoo also claims that the urine can be taken orally, though it includes a cautionary note advising users to discontinue use if they experience any allergic reactions.

This claim has sparked skepticism and concern, especially considering the potential health risks and lack of scientific evidence supporting the use of tiger urine for medical purposes. Critics argue that the practice not only poses a risk to human health but also raises serious ethical issues regarding the treatment of endangered species like Siberian tigers. The promotion of such remedies has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights groups and the general public, with many questioning the zoo’s responsibility in protecting the welfare of its animals.

How is the urine collected?

A staff member working with the Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo told the South China Morning Post that the tiger urine is collected from a basin where the tigers urinate. The urine accumulates in this base, and staff then gather it for sale. However, it remains unclear whether the urine undergoes any form of disinfection or purification before being sold to the public. This lack of transparency raises further concerns about the safety and hygiene of the product, particularly given its purported medicinal use.

The absence of clear information on the handling and treatment of the urine before sale only adds to the growing criticism surrounding the zoo’s practices. Health experts have expressed concern about the potential risks of using animal urine in such a manner, particularly if it has not been properly sanitized. This has further intensified debates about animal welfare and public safety, as well as the zoo’s responsibility in ensuring that the product is safe for human use.

Experts’ opinions:

A pharmacist from the Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in central China expressed strong criticism of the zoo’s claims, telling the South China Morning Post, “Exaggerating its value without evidence distorts traditional Chinese medicine and harms tiger conservation.” The pharmacist further clarified that tiger urine is not part of traditional Chinese medicine and that there is no proven medicinal effect associated with its use.

This statement highlights the broader concerns surrounding the zoo’s promotion of tiger urine as a therapeutic remedy. By presenting it as a traditional treatment without scientific backing, the zoo is not only misleading the public but also contributing to the potential exploitation of endangered species, such as the Siberian tiger. Experts argue that such practices undermine legitimate traditional medicine and jeopardize ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting these majestic animals.

Another traditional Chinese medicine practitioner raised concerns about the zoo’s qualifications to sell tiger urine, questioning whether the establishment has the proper credentials to market such a product. In response, the zoo defended its actions, stating that it holds a business license, which allows it to sell the urine.

However, this response has done little to quell the growing skepticism and outrage surrounding the practice. Experts argue that a business license alone does not necessarily authorize the zoo to sell animal products, especially those derived from endangered species. The lack of scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic claims and the ethical issues involved in using tiger urine for commercial purposes continue to fuel debates about the zoo’s practices and their impact on both public health and animal conservation efforts.

How did social media react?

According to the South China Morning Post, several individuals took to Chinese social media platforms to share their reactions to the zoo selling tiger urine. One person revealed that they had purchased the product out of curiosity for their father but noted, “I bought some for my dad out of curiosity, but have not seen any effect, so it is just sitting there.”

This personal account further highlights the skepticism surrounding the purported medicinal benefits of the tiger urine. Many social media users have expressed doubt over the zoo’s claims, with some questioning the effectiveness of the product and others criticizing the zoo for promoting an unproven remedy. The incident has sparked widespread conversation online, with people calling for more transparency and regulation regarding the sale of animal products for medicinal purposes.

Another individual commented, “I am thinking of buying a bottle for my mum. No side effects, so I thought I would give it a try,” reflecting a more cautious approach based on the product’s lack of immediate adverse effects.

Meanwhile, a third person expressed their concerns more bluntly, stating, “Will the urine not spread bacteria? It is just gross to think about.” This response highlights the discomfort and skepticism many feel regarding the hygiene and safety of the product, especially considering the potential health risks associated with using animal urine without proper sterilization.

These varied reactions on social media illustrate the growing public unease and ethical concerns over the zoo’s sale of tiger urine, with some questioning its effectiveness and others focusing on the potential health hazards it may pose.

In Chinese culture, the tiger symbolizes bravery, strength, and power. This majestic animal has long been a revered symbol in folklore, art, and traditional beliefs. According to the South China Morning Post, tigers have also been mentioned in ancient Chinese medical texts, where their bones were believed to have medicinal properties, such as treating conditions like epilepsy and rheumatism.

However, such uses have been officially banned by the Chinese government due to the tiger’s critically endangered status in the country. The government has implemented strict laws to protect these magnificent animals, making it illegal to hunt or trade in tiger parts. Anyone caught hunting tigers or engaging in the illegal trade of their body parts can face both prison sentences and hefty fines. This policy aims to protect the species from further exploitation and extinction, promoting conservation efforts instead of traditional practices that threaten their survival.

Courtesy: PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

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