A dynamic new documentary on bear bile farming includes an exclusive interview with Animals Asia founder and CEO Jill Robinson.

The footage leaves no doubt as to the inherent cruelty of the bear bile trade and is a must-watch for those supporting the aims of the foundation and calling for change.

Interviewed extensively in the film, Jill reveals the various methods of bile extraction:

“They are absolutely hideous - whether from the metal catheters or latex catheters that are not allowed under Chinese regulations anymore but are still practiced on the farms.”

In the film Jill explained a method allowed under regulations:

“Free drip is where the animal’s abdomen is surgically mutilated to create a hole or a fistula and the gall bladder itself is taken from its natural position by the liver and pulled unnaturally down and adhesed to the abdominal wall. Then a hole is created between the abdomen and the gall bladder so that bile can freely drip out – hence the name, ‘the free drip method’.

“Of course this hole is a perfect vector for bacterial infection and the bears are dying in huge numbers here in China from peritonitis, septicaemia – even from liver cancer. 30% of our bears have lost their lives to liver cancer.

“The majority of people are absolutely against this practice. It’s absolutely the same in Vietnam where bear farming is an illegal practice.”

It’s a fascinating piece of filmmaking. Please share it far and wide. The more people who are aware and abhor this dark industry, the more we can help the bears.

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