A zoo in Sichuan province, China, has come under fire for selling bottles of tiger urine, claiming it has therapeutic benefits for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and muscle pain. The Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo, often touted as a “world-class” facility, offered 250g bottles of Siberian tiger urine for 50 yuan (approximately $7 or ₹600), promoting its use as part of traditional medicine.
Social Media Exposes Controversial Practice
The controversy began when a visitor posted about the unusual product on social media, leading to widespread backlash. According to the packaging, the tiger urine must be mixed with white wine and applied to the affected area using ginger slices. The zoo even claimed the product could be consumed orally but warned users to stop in case of allergic reactions.
How Is the Urine Collected?
A staff member revealed that the zoo collects tiger urine from a basin where the animals urinate, but it remains unclear whether the liquid undergoes any disinfection process before being sold.
Experts and Conservationists Criticize the Move
Pharmacists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have expressed skepticism about the zoo’s claims. “Tiger urine has no recognized therapeutic value in traditional Chinese medicine,” stated a pharmacist from Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Experts also criticized the promotion of unproven remedies, warning it could distort traditional medicine and harm tiger conservation efforts.
One practitioner questioned whether the zoo even had the proper qualifications to sell such products. In response, the zoo claimed it holds a valid business license.
Public Reactions: Curiosity and Disgust
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions on Chinese social media platforms. While some individuals admitted to purchasing the product out of curiosity, others raised concerns about hygiene and potential bacterial contamination.
One user remarked, “I bought this for my dad, but it’s just sitting there as it doesn’t seem effective.” Another added, “The thought of using tiger urine is gross. What if it spreads bacteria?”
Tigers in Chinese Culture
Tigers hold significant cultural value in Chinese traditions, symbolizing bravery and strength. Some ancient texts even suggested tiger bones could treat conditions like epilepsy and rheumatism. However, such practices are banned in modern China due to the critically endangered status of the species. Anyone caught hunting tigers in China faces severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
Conservationists argue that such practices, even if legal, could set a harmful precedent for wildlife conservation. They emphasize the need for stringent measures to protect endangered species rather than commercializing their body parts for unproven remedies.
The incident has left many questioning the zoo’s ethics and its role in promoting conservation and responsible practices.
