Press "PandaGuides" above to follow us!
A recent social media post claiming that a tourist attraction was selling tiger urine for 50 RMB per bottle has drawn widespread attention. The implicated establishment, Sichuan Ya’an Bifengxia Wildlife Park, confirmed to The Paper that tiger urine is indeed being sold at their zoo, explaining that it is collected from the animals and bottled for sale.
According to the park’s official WeChat account, Bifengxia includes a scenic area, a wildlife park, and a giant panda base, and is recognized as a national 5A tourist site. The parent company of the park, Ya’an Xiangyuan Bifengxia Tourism Co., clarified that the sale of tiger urine is covered under their business license.
The bottles, as described in the social media post, include information claiming that tiger urine is beneficial for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness. Instructions for external use suggest mixing the urine with alcohol or applying it with ginger slices to the affected area. A warning advises users to discontinue use in case of allergic reactions.
When contacted, a zoo employee confirmed the pricing, stating, “It’s sold for 50 RMB per half-kilogram bottle. It’s mainly used for treating rheumatism. There are still quite a few buyers.”
As for the collection process, the staff explained, “The tigers urinate naturally, and we collect it with basins before bottling it.” However, when questioned about the product’s efficacy, the staff confessed they had not personally used it, reiterating that it is meant for external application.
Past promotional materials from the zoo labeled tiger urine as a “Bifengxia exclusive,” even gifting it to celebrities during outdoor reality TV competitions held at the park.
The controversy surrounding tiger urine’s medicinal value has attracted skepticism from experts. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner, who chose to remain anonymous, dismissed claims about its benefits, stating, “Tiger urine is not recognized as a TCM ingredient and has no proven therapeutic effects.” While tiger bones were historically used for treating rheumatism, their use is now strictly prohibited.
Furthermore, the expert emphasized that selling such products is problematic without approval from government regulatory bodies. “All medications require official approval before they can be marketed or administered,” the expert added.
Long press or scan the QR CODE below to follow us!
