A wildlife zoo in Sichuan, China, has ignited controversy after reports surfaced that it has been selling bottled Siberian tiger urine, claiming it has medicinal properties.

The zoo markets the urine as a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and muscle pain, advising customers to mix it with white wine and apply it with ginger slices. The zoo also states that the urine can be ingested but should be discontinued if allergic reactions occur, The Independent reports.

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A zoo in China is selling bottled Siberian tiger urine for alleged medical benefits.

Unsubstantiated Medical Claims

Despite the zoo’s assertions, experts in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) say there is no scientific or historical basis for the medicinal use of tiger urine. A pharmacist from Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital told the Hindustan Times that such claims distort traditional medicine and could mislead consumers. Another TCM expert, speaking anonymously to the Global Times, confirmed that tiger urine has never been recognized as a treatment for arthritis or any other medical condition.

Hygiene and Safety Concerns

There is no evidence that the urine undergoes any disinfection before being bottled and sold. A staff member confirmed to Indian Express that the liquid is simply collected from a basin where tigers relieve themselves, raising questions about potential bacterial contamination.

Social media users in China have expressed disgust and skepticism. One individual who purchased a bottle stated that it had no effect and was left unused. Another questioned whether the product could spread bacteria, while some found the entire premise "gross," Hindustan Times reports.

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Experts say tiger urine has no proven medicinal properties.

Ethical and Conservation Concerns

Conservationists warn that selling tiger urine, even from captive animals, fuels dangerous misconceptions about the medicinal value of tiger-derived products. While China has banned the use of tiger bones for medicinal purposes, the Times of India reports that demand persists, leading to illegal poaching and the operation of illicit tiger farms.

Wildlife experts argue that promoting tiger urine as a cure further endangers the already vulnerable Siberian tiger population. Wu Lihong, a researcher at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology, warned that collecting tiger urine in zoos could negatively impact the animals’ health. He also stated that there is no legitimate medical research to support the claims made by the zoo, News9Live reports.

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The zoo advises mixing the urine with white wine and applying it with ginger slices.

Legal Gray Area

When questioned about the legality of selling tiger urine as medicine, the zoo stated that it possesses a business license, which it claims permits the sale of such products. However, experts argue that all medicinal products must undergo approval by regulatory bodies, which tiger urine has not, according to the Global Times.

Despite the backlash, zoo staff insist that sales are minimal, with no more than two bottles sold per day. However, critics argue that even small-scale commercialization can set a harmful precedent by legitimizing the use of tiger products in traditional medicine, the Indian Express reports.

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Conservationists warn this trade fuels demand for illegal tiger products.

Public Reaction and Future Outlook

The controversy has gone viral on Chinese social media, with over 35 million views on discussions about the practice. Public opinion remains divided, with some calling for a government crackdown and others simply ridiculing the idea. As News9Live reports, the incident has sparked renewed debate on the ethics of using animal products in traditional medicine, particularly in cases where there is no scientific backing.

While China has taken steps to curb illegal wildlife trade, loopholes still allow zoos and wildlife parks to exploit animals under the guise of cultural or medical practices. Conservationists hope that the international attention surrounding this case will push authorities to enforce stricter regulations, ensuring that captive tigers are protected from commercial exploitation.

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