Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): China zoo sells ‘medicinal tiger urine’
This page has an easy read with questions to test your understanding and work on your English skills.
A Chinese zoo has sparked controversy by selling tiger urine, claiming it can treat various health problems. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/The PaperContent provided by British Council
[1] A zoo in China has raised safety concerns by selling tiger urine. The zoo claims it can treat various health conditions. A visitor recently shared on social media that the Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo in Sichuan province was selling “medicinal tiger urine”. Urine from Siberian tigers was being sold for 50 yuan (HK$54) per bottle.
[2] The bottle says tiger urine can help with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and muscle pain. It suggests mixing the urine with white wine. The mixture should then be applied to the sore area with ginger slices. The zoo says it can also be taken by mouth but warns people to stop using it if they have an allergic reaction.
[3] A staff member told mainland media outlet The Paper that they collect tiger urine from a basin after the tiger urinates. It is not clear if they disinfect the urine before selling it. The staff said they sell about two bottles each day. In 2014, the zoo reportedly gave out tiger urine as a prize to celebrity winners of an outdoor reality show.
[4] A pharmacist from Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in central China, who did not want to be named, said that tiger urine is not a traditional medicine and has no proven health benefits. He told the South China Morning Post: “Exaggerating its value without evidence distorts traditional Chinese medicine and harms tiger conservation.” He also warned tourists to follow professional medical advice. He said that using substances with no proven health benefits may make their condition worse.
[5] Another traditional Chinese medicine practitioner questioned if the zoo is allowed to sell medicinal products, noting that all medicines must be approved by government regulators. However, zoo staff say they have a business licence to sell tiger urine.
[6] The incident quickly went viral on mainland social media. Related topics racked 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.”
[7] In traditional Chinese culture, tigers stand for bravery and strength. Some Chinese medical texts suggest tiger bones can treat conditions like rheumatism and epilepsy. However, the Chinese government has banned their use. Tigers are critically endangered in China, and hunting them can lead to up to 10 years in prison and fines.
Source: South China Morning Post, January 27
Questions
1. What does the zoo say tiger urine can do according to paragraph 2?
2. In paragraph 3, what did the zoo do with tiger urine in 2014?
A. sold it for a high price
B. disinfected it
C. used it for research
D. gave it away as a prize
3. The pharmacist mentioned in paragraph 4 … using tiger urine as medicine.
A. agrees with
B. disagrees with
C. has no opinion about
D. none of the above
4. What did the doctor warn about unproven substances, according to paragraph 4?
5. In traditional Chinese culture, tigers are … as symbols of bravery and strength.
A. seen
B. saw
C. seeing
D. see
6. Circle the correct answers. (3 marks)
Yet / Although / But some traditional Chinese medicine texts say tiger bones can / should / must treat illnesses such as rheumatism and epilepsy, it is illegal to use them as medicine on / in / around China.
Answers
1. that it can help with rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and muscle pain (accept all similar answers)
2. D
3. B
4. They may worsen a person’s condition (accept all similar answers).
5. A
6. Although; can; in