27 moon bears freed from Laos bile farm in historic rescue

In a landmark operation this week, conservation group Free the Bears, backed by the Laotian government, raided a facility in northern Laos that was registered as a zoo but operated as a commercial bear bile extraction farm. The rescue of 27 Asiatic black bears—commonly known as moon bears—is believed to be the largest bear bile farm closure in Southeast Asian history. The facility, owned by a Chinese national, kept the bears in tiny wire cages, where some had spent up to two years without ever touching the ground. Their sole purpose was to be drained of bile, either via syringes or surgically implanted taps, a practice used in traditional medicine.

For the first time in years, the rescued bears are now experiencing clean drinking water and solid earth beneath their paws. Free the Bears will rehabilitate them, aiming to provide a permanent sanctuary. The raid highlights the ongoing illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia, where bile farms operate under the radar despite international condemnation. The scale of this operation—27 animals in one location—underscores the persistent demand for bear bile and the need for stronger enforcement and alternatives to traditional remedies.