A zoo in Sichuan province, southwestern China, has ignited controversy by selling bottled tiger urine as a purported treatment for rheumatism, raising concerns about public health and ethical standards.
Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo, a popular tourist destination, is offering 250g bottles of "medicinal tiger urine" from Siberian tigers for 50 yuan each, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
The product claims to alleviate conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and muscle pain.
The zoo’s instructions suggest mixing the urine with white wine and applying it to affected areas using ginger slices.
It can also be consumed orally, though customers are advised to discontinue use if they experience allergic reactions.
A staff member from the scenic site said that the urine is collected from a basin after the tiger urinates, though it remains unclear whether any sterilisation process is undertaken before it is sold.
The employee noted that sales are relatively low, with no more than two bottles purchased daily.
In 2014, the zoo reportedly awarded tiger urine as a prize to celebrity contestants on an outdoor reality show.
However, medical professionals have challenged the purported benefits of the product.
A pharmacist from Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, who wished to remain anonymous, dismissed the claims, stating that tiger urine has no foundation in traditional Chinese medicine and lacks scientific validation.
He warned that promoting such remedies not only misrepresents traditional medical practices but also undermines conservation efforts for endangered species.
A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner has also raised concerns over the zoo’s authority to sell medicinal products, emphasising that all such substances must undergo stringent government approval.
The legitimacy of the zoo’s business licence in this regard remains uncertain, despite staff asserting that they hold the necessary permits.
Public reaction to the sale has been largely sceptical.
One customer remarked, "I bought some for my father out of curiosity, but have seen no effect—it is just sitting there."
Another questioned the hygiene risks, commenting, "Will the urine not spread bacteria? It is just gross to think about."
The controversy underscores broader issues of regulatory oversight and the ethical implications of marketing unverified animal-based remedies under the guise of traditional medicine.
