Tiger Urine Tonic at Chinese Zoo Sparks Controversy and Ethical Concerns

A Controversial Tiger Urine Tonic at Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo

The Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo in Sichuan province, China, has ignited a social media firestorm with its sale of "medicinal tiger urine." Visitors to the zoo shared posts claiming the facility was selling the liquid, allegedly sourced from Siberian tigers, for its purported therapeutic properties.

A 250-gram bottle of the tiger urine tonic was priced at around 50 yuan (£5.54). The zoo recommended mixing the liquid with white wine and ginger slices and applying it to affected areas for ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and muscle pain. They claimed the concoction was safe for oral consumption but advised against further use if allergic reactions occurred.

The zoo stated that the urine was collected directly from a basin where the tigers urinated, without clarifying any disinfection procedures. They insisted the tonic met the necessary qualifications to be labeled "medicinal" and could be sold with a business license and operating permission. However, sales were reportedly average, with no more than two bottles sold per day.

While some visitors expressed curiosity and a willingness to try the tonic, an expert in traditional Chinese medicine anonymously stated that tiger urine has no proven therapeutic benefit and is not recognized as traditional medicine. This aligns with previous concerns raised in 2004 when zoos in Chongqing province were found to be employing questionable methods to collect tiger urine, potentially harming the animals' health and raising concerns about chemical residue.

The Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo's sale of tiger urine tonic has sparked debate and raised ethical concerns. While the zoo claims the tonic is safe and effective, the lack of scientific evidence and potential animal welfare issues surrounding its collection raise serious questions about its legitimacy and ethical implications.