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Zoey Zhang

A zoo in China has sparked safety concerns after selling tiger urine, claiming it could treat rheumatism.
A visitor recently shared on social media that the Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo in Sichuan province, southwestern China, was selling a “medicinal tiger urine” from Siberian tigers for 50 yuan (US$7) per bottle, with each containing about 250g.
Online sources indicate that the zoo is a world-class tourist attraction and a model unit for civilised tourism in China.
The bottle claims tiger urine has a “good therapeutic effect” on conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and muscle pain.
It is recommended to mix the urine with white wine and apply it to the affected area with ginger slices.

The zoo also suggests it can be taken orally but warns to discontinue use if any allergic reaction occurs.
One of the scenic area’s staff told mainland media outlet The Paper that the urine is collected from a basin after the tiger urinates.
It is unclear whether the urine is disinfected before being sold.
The staff said tiger urine sales are “average”, with a maximum of two bottles sold per day.
In 2014, the zoo reportedly gave away tiger urine as a prize to celebrity winners of an outdoor reality show.
An anonymous pharmacist from Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in central China said tiger urine is not a traditional medicine and has no proven medicinal effect.
He told the Post: “Exaggerating its value without evidence distorts traditional Chinese medicine and harms tiger conservation.”
He also advised tourists to follow medical guidance, warning that using unproven substances may “worsen the condition”.
Another traditional Chinese medicine practitioner questioned the zoo’s qualifications to sell medicinal products, noting that all medicines must be approved by government regulators.
However, zoo staff insisted they have a business licence to sell tiger urine.
The incident quickly went viral on mainland social media, with related topics racking up more than 35 million views.
One zoo visitor commented: “I bought some for my dad out of curiosity, but have not seen any effect, so it is just sitting there.”
Another online user said: “I am thinking of buying a bottle for my mum. No side effects, so I thought I would give it a try.”
While a third person voiced concerns, writing: “Will the urine not spread bacteria? It is just gross to think about.”

In traditional Chinese culture, tigers symbolise bravery and strength.
Some Chinese medical texts suggest tiger bones can treat conditions like rheumatism and epilepsy, but the Chinese government has banned their use.
Tigers are a critically endangered species in China, and anyone caught hunting them faces up to 10 years in prison and fines.


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A zoo in China has been criticised for selling tiger urine at US$7 a bottle and claiming it can treat rheumatism and other ailments. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/The Paper

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News

People & Culture

‘World class’ animal park which promotes ‘civilised’ tourism recommends mixing urine, which it collects in basins, with white wine for treatment


‘World class’ animal park which promotes ‘civilised’ tourism recommends mixing urine, which it collects in basins, with white wine for treatment.


Animals

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Disease