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Mauling .... then eating the hand that feed you
posted Saturday, 24 February 2007
While the death of any Human Being can be said to be a tragedy, there are some circumstances under which you can't help be see the loss of a Human life with something less than 100% sympathy. One such instance is the passing Han Shigen.
This Monday, Mainland worker Han Shigen was killed by a group of six bears. According to the Chinese media, the bears attacked Han, mauled him to death, and then ate him. The bears were reportedly so enraged that it was two hour before his remains could be recovered
Ironically, Han was a worker on a Bear farm and the bears were being used to supply China's thriving market for bear bile. A product which is banned in most of the developed world due to the cruel manner in which it is extracted.
The 'Bear' Facts
Each year, China's bear farms are believed to produce approximately 7000kg of bile, half of which is used in modern and traditional medicine; where it can be used to treat ailments of the liver and gallbladder, and half of which is used in cosmetics and other luxury products; where it serves no useful purpose whatsoever.
Most of these luxury bile products are considered to be a 'cash crop' and are often sold to tourists, despite export restrictions. Bringing in a health profit for Chinese bear farmers and bile product sellers.
| "It is an added disgrace that an oversupply of bile is being used in products with no medicinal value” Peter Skinner |
At current market prices, bear bile can sell for $US4,500 per kilo.
According to EU statistics, China currently is currently 'framing' approximately 7000 bears in aournd 200 active farms, though some outside estimates put the figure closer to 70 farms.
Tradition or Tragedy?
While bear farming is a tragedy in itself, what makes this situation all the more tragic is that bear bile is medically unnecessary.
Although bear bile is known to have some curative properties, its active ingredient, ursodeoxycholic acid (C24H40O4), was identified by Japanese scientists approximately 50 years ago, and is it now available in a synthesized form that is both, as effective as the bear based product, and readily available on the open market.
Current estimates put the current consumption of synthetic bear bile at 100 tons each year, with Japan, South Korea and China being the primary consumers.
According to Chinese herbalists, there are also at least 50 herbal alternatives to bear bile. Most of which are not only more humane, but also more affordable and easier to prepare and administer, than bear bile.
| "Research shows there are many combinations of herbs available that can be administered for ailments currently treated with bear bile. And they are easier and cheaper to use" Dr. Lo Yan-wo, Herbalist and Traditional Chinese healer |
However, despite the availability of a synthetic product, and numerous traditional alternatives to bear bile, many Chinese still prefer the 'natural' version. A situation that many observers have put down to a combination of Chinese superstition and pride. With many Chinese still holding on to the belief that the body parts of a strong animals are endowed with the animal's strength; thus will make potent medicines, and the idea that consuming expensive products, such as bear bile, is a legitimate symbol of status and power.
| "It's a mystique thing -- superstitious thinking. They believe a powerful animal should produce a powerful medicine." Anthony Marr, Environmentalist |
Image Problems
Though Chinese traditions have undoubtedly played a part in the continuance of bear farming, environmentalists have also voiced that Beijing's attitude to bear farms has been a great hindrance. Stating that, because bear farming is regulated by the state, many in China view it in the same light as the farming of any other livestock, and because protests against bear farms are 'discouraged' in the same way as protests for democracy, that there is little or no social pressure on bear farmers, or bile users, to stop.
| "People believe because it's farmed, it's okay." Judy Mills, Wildlife Trade monitoring program, World Wildlife Foundation |
View Comments/Add a Comment (9)
1. dave zimmerman left...
Saturday, 24 February 2007 7:14 am
I've seen video of a bear (this happened to be in Korea) being "milked" for
his bile. Imagine hime chained to a wall, in the standard dungeon pose.
There's a catheter stuck in his side, and it seems like it hurts like a
bitch. If the bears of the world ever make an ursine equivalent of the
movie "Spartacus", it will be about this.
3. anon left...
Saturday, 24 February 2007 11:25 am
I'm interested in the other half of that "7,000kg of bile," which is said
to be used in cosmetics and "other luxury products." Who are producing
these luxuy products and cosmetics? Who are consuming them? If "Chinese
tradition"--superstition and pride, sybolic power and status in your
opinion--is blamed for ensnaring people to consume bear bile as
irreplaceable medicine, shouldn't those luxury products and cosmetics
producers be answered for such inhumane
4. anon left...
Saturday, 24 February 2007 11:34 am
sorry, what I meant is "shouldn't those luxury products and cosmetics
producers answer for such inhumanity too?"
5. ACB left...
Saturday, 24 February 2007 5:34 pm :: http://angrychineseblogger.blog-city.com
Bear bile is 100% irrelevant to modern society. The only reason that people
still use it is vanity and stupidity
6. China Law Blog left...
Saturday, 24 February 2007 10:04 pm :: http://www.chinalawblog.com
In the law, we call this assumption of risk.
7. ACB left...
Saturday, 24 February 2007 10:51 pm :: http://angrychineseblogger.blog-city.com
"Primary assumption of risk": Willingly performing an activity in full
knowledge of the inherent dangers involved.
8. China Law Blog left...
Saturday, 24 February 2007 10:54 pm :: http://www.chinalawblog.com
A really greedy one.
9. ACB left...
Saturday, 24 February 2007 11:51 pm :: http://angrychineseblogger.blog-city.com
I'd have said "a stupid one".