Tiger Urine Sold as Arthritis Cure at Chinese Zoo, Sparks Outrage

A zoo in China has recently garnered unwanted attention for selling bottled tiger urine, which it claims can treat various conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, and sprains. The Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo, located in Sichuan province, sparked controversy when it began marketing this unusual product, drawing public outrage and scrutiny from medical professionals.

The issue was first brought to light by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) after a visitor posted pictures of the product on social media. The zoo had been offering 250-gram bottles of Siberian tiger urine for 50 yuan (around Rs 596). The product's label recommended mixing the urine with white wine and ginger slices, which could then be applied to the affected area. In a shocking claim, the zoo also suggested that the urine could be ingested, with a warning to stop use if any allergic reactions occurred.

A zoo employee revealed that the urine is collected from basins where the tigers urinate, but it remains unclear whether any form of disinfection takes place before the product is sold. This has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and hygiene of the product.

Medical experts quickly condemned the zoo’s claims, noting that tiger urine is not recognized as a treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. A pharmacist from the Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital criticized the zoo's unverified claims, stating that exaggerating the potential benefits of such substances not only distorts traditional practices but also harms conservation efforts for tigers.

In Chinese culture, tigers have long symbolized strength and power, and while ancient texts did mention using tiger bones for certain ailments, the Chinese government has long prohibited such practices to protect endangered species. The sale of tiger urine, therefore, raises both ethical and medical concerns, particularly regarding the exploitation of tigers and the potential harm to conservation efforts.

Despite the public backlash, the zoo has defended itself by asserting that it is legally allowed to sell the product, citing its business license. However, the legitimacy of this license to sell medicinal products remains in question.

Public reactions have been mixed. Some individuals have expressed curiosity about the purported benefits, but others have voiced their disgust and skepticism. One disappointed customer shared that they bought the product for their father but saw no effects, while another questioned the potential for bacterial contamination.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)