The population of captive animals on “bear farms” in Laos has been increasing significantly in recent years, despite laws to protect the bears. After mother bears and their cubs—both Asiatic black bears and sun bears—are captured, their bile and body parts are harvested for use in traditional Chinese medicine. An organization called Free the Bears is trying to stem the crisis.
➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe
About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world’s premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what’s possible.
Get More National Geographic:
Official Site: http://bit.ly/NatGeoOfficialSite
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBNatGeo
Twitter: http://bit.ly/NatGeoTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/NatGeoInsta
Read more about bear farms in Laos on National Geographic’s Wildlife Watch:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/05/160505-asiatic-bear-bile-trade-laos/
VIDEOGRAPHER AND PRODUCER: Pailin Wedel
ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE BY: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals, and Free the Bears
Caught on Camera in Yellowstone: “Bear Bathtub!” :
The Fight to Stop Illegal Bear Trafficking in Southeast Asia | National Geographic
National Geographic
https://www.youtube.com/natgeo