China zoo promotes tiger urine to treat rheumatoid arthritis, sells it for Rs…

In a strange incident, a zoo in China shocked everyone with a bizarre promotion. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) wrote that the Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo, a "world-class" animal park, in Sichuan province in southwestern China was recently promoting tiger urine as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.  

The zoo has claimed that drinking white wine with tiger urine in it has "good therapeutic effects."  

Instructions for use 

The zoo has instructions mentioned regarding how to use it. It says that the user must mix the urine with white wine and apply it to the affected area with the help of ginger slices. Though the zoo claims that urine can be taken orally but suggests users should discontinue taking it in case of allergic reactions. 

The SCMP further reported that the staff of the zoo collected the urine from a basin where the tigers urinate. A pharmacist from a traditional Chinese medicine hospital in central China disputed the claims, speaking to the SCMP, he said, “Exaggerating its value without evidence distorts traditional Chinese medicine and harms tiger conservation.”  

The pharmacist emphasized that tiger urine is not a recognized component of traditional medicine and lacks scientific evidence of its efficacy. Another practitioner questioned the zoo's qualifications to sell tiger urine, but the zoo countered that it possesses a valid business license. 

Cost of tiger urine 

The controversy began when the zoo advertised 250g bottles of Siberian tiger urine for sale on social media, priced at 50 yuan ($7 or ₹600). The bottle's label allegedly claimed the urine had healing properties for rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and muscle pain. 

Public reactions 

According to SCMP, many people shared their reactions on the promotion and selling of tiger urine by the zoo. One person commented, “I bought some for my dad out of curiosity, but have not seen any effect, so it is just sitting there.” Another individual replied, “I am thinking of buying a bottle for my mum. No side effects, so I thought I would give it a try.” A third remarked, “Won’t the urine spread bacteria? It’s just gross to think about.” 

How tiger is symbolised in China 

In Chinese culture, the tiger represents bravery and strength, and ancient medical texts suggest that tiger bones can be used to treat conditions like epilepsy and rheumatism. However, the Chinese government has outlawed such practices, and due to the tiger's critically endangered status, hunting is illegal, punishable by imprisonment and hefty fines.