For more than two decades, the heartbreaking reality of bear bile farming in Vietnam has cast a shadow over animal welfare. Bears, often confined to cramped cages and subjected to unimaginable cruelty, were kept alive only for the extraction of bile—a substance used in traditional medicine despite the existence of humane alternatives.
Yet, amid the darkness, there has always been a light: the resilience of the bears themselves and the tireless efforts of those who fought to free them. Over the years, the stories of these rescued bears—their healing, resilience, and moments of pure joy—have touched hearts across the globe. Their journeys remind us why this fight mattered, and why it had to continue for as long as it did.
Why Did It Take 20 Years?
It’s a question many supporters have asked: Why did it take so long to end bear bile farming in Vietnam?
The answer lies in a combination of legal, cultural, and logistical challenges. While awareness grew and public sentiment began to shift, the process of negotiating with farmers, creating sanctuaries, and building government support took time. Ending such an entrenched practice could not be achieved overnight—it required patience, diplomacy, and relentless advocacy.
Animal welfare pioneers like Jill Robinson, Founder and CEO of Animals Asia, stood at the center of this battle. In a deeply personal and heartfelt video, Jill shares the truth behind this journey—the setbacks, the victories, and the unshakable hope that sustained the mission through years of struggle.
Her story is a reminder that meaningful change often takes time, but with determination and compassion, it is possible.
The Healing of the Bears
The bears themselves are living testaments to resilience. Once trapped in lives of suffering, they are now free to roam sanctuaries, play, and simply be bears. Witnessing their transformations—from fearful and frail animals into thriving, joyful creatures—is nothing short of inspiring.
Each bear’s journey is unique. Some arrived malnourished and traumatized, others with serious health conditions that required ongoing care. But with expert veterinary treatment, safe environments, and unconditional love, they have learned to trust again. The sound of a bear splashing in a pool, basking in the sun, or even just resting peacefully is a victory not just for that animal, but for the entire movement to end cruelty.
A Victory for Compassion
The official agreement to phase out and end bear bile farming in Vietnam marks a historic turning point. What once seemed like an impossible goal is now reality: an entire industry built on suffering is being dismantled.
This success did not happen in isolation. It was fueled by activists, rescuers, donors, volunteers, and ordinary people who refused to look away. Together, they created a network of compassion strong enough to move mountains—and free bears.
For those who have supported the cause, your role cannot be overstated. Every petition signed, every donation made, and every story shared brought us one step closer to this moment.
What Comes Next?
While the end of bear bile farming in Vietnam is a monumental achievement, the work doesn’t stop here. The rescued bears will continue to need lifelong care, and sanctuaries will need ongoing support to provide them with safe habitats, medical treatment, and enrichment.
At the same time, activists continue to fight for animals in other regions and industries where cruelty persists. The lessons learned over the last 20 years prove that progress is possible—but only if we keep going.
That’s why Sustainable Action Now continues to spotlight the incredible work happening across the globe. You can learn more about the ongoing rescues, the networks of sanctuaries, and the organizations making a difference by exploring our Rescue Network.
The end of bear bile farming in Vietnam is more than just a victory for animal rights—it’s a story of resilience, hope, and the undeniable bond between humans and animals. It’s proof that no matter how long the road, compassion can win.
As Jill Robinson so movingly explains, this 20-year journey was filled with struggles and setbacks, but also triumphs that inspire us to keep going. And as we watch these rescued bears finally live the lives they deserve, we’re reminded that every act of kindness, every moment of advocacy, and every effort to protect the vulnerable matters.
This is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a future where cruelty has no place, and where animals everywhere can live with dignity, safety, and freedom.
In an inspiring milestone for global wildlife conservation, Vietnam is on track to officially end the practice of bear farming for bile—a cruel industry that has long drawn international criticism. At a press conference in Hanoi on October 22, 2024, Education for Nature-Vietnam (ENV), the country’s first NGO dedicated to wildlife protection, announced that the number of bears held captive in Vietnam has dropped by an astounding 95% over the past two decades.
This achievement is the result of nearly twenty years of tireless advocacy, collaboration, and enforcement—proof that when governments, NGOs, and communities unite for a common cause, meaningful change is possible.
The Numbers Behind the Victory
When Vietnam launched its campaign to end bear bile farming in 2005, nearly 4,000 bears were being held in captivity across the country. These animals were subjected to painful extractions and lived in cramped, inhumane conditions.
Fast forward to August 2024, and the number has plummeted to just 192 bears. Even more striking, 46 provinces and cities are now completely free from bear farming.
This progress also reflects a major cultural shift: an ENV survey revealed that demand for bear bile has dropped 61% in major urban areas, as education and awareness campaigns successfully informed the public of both the cruelty involved and the availability of plant-based or synthetic alternatives.
How Vietnam Got Here
This historic transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took a carefully coordinated effort among multiple organizations, including:
- Education for Nature-Vietnam (ENV) – spearheading public education and policy enforcement.
- World Animal Protection (WAP) – providing international advocacy and technical support.
- Animals Asia Foundation, Four Paws, and Free the Bears – working on the ground to rescue bears, care for them in sanctuaries, and push for stronger legislation.
A key turning point came between 2016 and 2020, when the process of implanting microchips in bears was carried out. According to WAP consultant Le Duy Phuong, this step created accountability: all undocumented bears were confiscated, while owners of documented bears were encouraged to transfer them to rescue centers.
By tracking every bear and increasing enforcement, Vietnam closed loopholes that had allowed the industry to persist.
The Role of Awareness and Enforcement
Ending bear bile farming required more than laws—it required hearts and minds to change. Education campaigns, law enforcement crackdowns, and international pressure combined to make the industry both socially unacceptable and economically unviable.
ENV Deputy Director Bui Thi Ha emphasized at the press conference that the steady decline in both bear numbers and bile demand is the clearest sign of success. Yet, the work is not over. Authorities and animal welfare groups continue urging remaining bear owners to voluntarily hand over their animals to sanctuaries where they can live the rest of their lives free from suffering.
What This Means for Bears and Beyond
The end of bear farming in Vietnam represents far more than the closure of a single industry. It’s a victory for compassion, a model for other nations still grappling with wildlife exploitation, and a powerful reminder that public awareness paired with strong enforcement can drive sweeping cultural change.
For the rescued bears, it means freedom from cages, medical care, and the chance to rediscover what it means to live as a bear. For conservationists, it’s proof that decades of persistence pay off. And for the global community, it’s a call to action: if bear bile farming can be ended in Vietnam, other entrenched practices of animal exploitation can be dismantled too.
A Future Free From Cruelty
As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize the ongoing responsibilities. Bears rescued from bile farms need lifelong sanctuary care—healthy food, medical treatment, safe enclosures, and enrichment that allows them to thrive. Organizations on the ground are committed to ensuring that these animals live out their days in dignity, far removed from the suffering they once endured.
For Sustainable Action Now, this is more than news—it’s a beacon of hope. Every victory like this reminds us that change is possible, even when the fight is long.
To follow more updates on bear rescues and the global effort to protect wildlife, visit our dedicated Bears category for in-depth stories, reports, and ways you can help.
From nearly 4,000 caged bears in 2005 to just under 200 today, Vietnam’s progress toward ending bear farming is nothing short of extraordinary. It is a testament to the resilience of animals, the persistence of advocates, and the power of collaboration between governments, NGOs, and communities.
The fight for animal welfare doesn’t end here—but this milestone proves that even the most entrenched forms of cruelty can be overcome. Together, we are building a future where bears, and all animals, are treated with the dignity and compassion they deserve.
