Keeping wild animals in captivity for human entertainment is already heartbreaking — but subjecting them to torture takes cruelty to a devastating level. This is the grim reality for many animals used in traditional medicine, and few stories illustrate it as powerfully as that of Caesar the bear.

Caesar’s early life was defined by unrelenting suffering. She was imprisoned on a bile farm in China, where bears are exploited for their bile — a substance used in some forms of traditional medicine. The methods used to harvest bile are invasive, painful, and universally condemned by animal welfare organizations.

Day after day, Caesar was subjected to a cruel and inhumane procedure. Bile was extracted directly from her gallbladder through a surgically implanted tube. This process causes immense physical pain, infections, and long-term health complications. There was no anesthesia. No comfort. Only pain.

To worsen her torment, Caesar was restrained in a heavy, rusting metal vest designed to keep her immobile during the extractions. The vest made every movement agonizing and served as a constant reminder of her captivity. She couldn’t stretch, couldn’t turn, couldn’t escape the agony forced upon her.

Her entire world was a barren, filthy cage. No sunlight, no fresh air, no freedom — just concrete walls and iron bars. For years, Caesar lived in fear and misery, her spirit slowly crushed by confinement and abuse. Animal welfare experts have rightly described bile farming as a form of prolonged torture.

Yet Caesar’s story is also a call to action. Rescue groups are fighting tirelessly to shut down bile farms, rehabilitate survivors, and push for legislative change. Her suffering must not be in vain. By raising awareness and supporting these efforts, we can help ensure that no bear ever suffers as Caesar did — and that healing can begin.