Wildlife Consumption Rampant in HCM City

Of the 4,062 residents of Ho Chi Minh City surveyed, nearly 51% say they have consumed products made from wild animals, and more than 48% said they do so at least three times a year. Specifically, three-quarters have eaten game meat and 12% have had the animal products mixed with alcohol. For health reasons, 8% say they have consumed products like bear bile and tiger bone gelatine, while 2% have worn items made from wild animals and 3% have kept such animals as pets.

Consumption of wild animal-based products varies by gender, age, education, profession and income. Among those more likely to use these products are men, consumers between the ages of 36 and 45, and the more highly educated. State employees and those employed by private companies (60%) are also more likely than others to consume such products, followed by workers (54%) and government officials (52%).

Additionally, this survey polled 3,562 secondary school students in the city and found:

• 28% had used wild animal products, slightly more males (31%) than females (26%).
• Students were more likely to consume wild animal meat when with families.
• About 7% would consume animal products, 35% would not use them in the future, and 57% were undecided.