Volunteer with the Giant Panda in China
Volunteers are needed to play a part in safeguarding the future of the Panda. The Giant Panda is one of the most delightful and captivating of animals, yet one of the most endangered species in the world. Estimates place the total number of pandas in the world at only about 1600, most of these in Sichuan Province. The Pandas are one of the cutest, most magnificent, adorable animals on the earth giving joy to adults and children alike. But their survival is uncertain. Saving this species is truly a race against time. We are placing individuals and groups to volunteer at the Bifengxia Panda Base.
The Program
Volunteers are needed to play a part in safeguarding the future of the Panda. The Giant Panda is one of the most delightful and captivating of animals, but also one of the most endangered species in the world. Estimates place the total number of pandas in the world at only about 1600 mostly in Sichuan Province. Their survival is uncertain. Saving this species is truly a race against time. We are now placing individuals to volunteer at the Bifengxia Panda Base. All staff, equipment and pandas were relocated from Wolong Panda base. This base was devastated in an earthquake in China in 2008. Since the move the panda population at the new Panda Base has more than doubled.
Volunteers are needed to assist in safeguarding the future of these most captivating animals. Volunteers activities include preparing the food for the pandas (such as apples, panda bread, carrots, bamboo), cleaning their enclosures and ensure they are secure in their environment and helping out where needed. Occasionally volunteers are asked to participate in research of the pandas and help in providing medical care for the pandas.
Itinerary 2 week program
Food and Accommodation
You will be staying in a volunteer accommodation where you will share a room with other volunteers. The accommodation has 24-hour hot water, free drinking water and has western style breakfast (milk, toast, coffee, tea). Three meals per day are included. There are some activities in the afternoon such as Chinese lesson, cultural explanation, cooking activities, Chinese dumpling making. There are DVD's available about the Pandas so the participants can watch it during the evening.
Click here for pictures of the accommodation.
Location
Chengdu
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province. It is a well-known city with a longstanding history and civilization. Chengdu, as early as 5,000 years ago, was a major trading hub southwestern China. Chengdu has many places of interest and is famous for its traditional arts and crafts, ethnic folklore, and beautiful landscapes. Chengdu sports an advantageous geographical location, as well as the Shuangliu International Airport.
Bifengxia Panda Conservation Base
China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda is located in Wolong Nature Reserve and was established by Chinese government cooperated with WWF in 1980. With the efforts over 20 years, it has already resolved three key problems of breeding: difficult mating, pregnancy and infant survival, which restricted reproduction of the giant panda for a long time. The panda birth and survival rates are improving. The captive panda population was developed from initial 6 to now over 70 animals.
Facilities and Supplies
Transportation - Your hotel is just walking distance in the Panda base, which is 16 km from Ya’an City and 150 km from Chengdu.
Shops - There are some small grocery stores in and around the Panda base. For our volunteers there is a bar/common room opposite the hotel. Volunteers can come here to socialize, have a drink, read a book or even watch TV. The bar is closed from December to February.
Money issues - There is no ATM in the Panda Base. But many banks and several ATM machines in Ya'an city and Chengdu city. Travelers cheques are becoming obsolete all over the world and they are very hard to get changed in China. Bring some local currency or just use debit/credit cards to withdraw money. The vast majority of time you cannot use a card to pay for transactions on the spot.
Internet & phones – There is free internet in the Panda base Office during the working time (8:30am - 4:30pm). There are also many internet cafes in Ya’an city (2 yuan per hour). You can use your own phone to ring home or use Skype.
Health - There is a clinic at the Panda Base and several good hospitals in Ya’an and Chengdu city.
Requirements
You need to be minimum 18 years old or be accompanied by an adult. Also you need to be in good physical health with a positive attitude to volunteering.
Program Prices
Prices |
US$ |
GBP |
EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
2 weeks |
995 |
625 |
695 |
3 weeks |
1365 |
850 |
945 |
4 weeks |
1725 |
1075 |
1195 |
What's included:
Airport pick up on due arrival day
One day in Chengdu: Orientation + Tour
Transfer to the Panda Reserve
All Food & Accommodation
Program as per Itinerary
24 Hours local support
Transfer back to Chengdu on Saturday morning when the program ends
Not included in the prices is your flight, insurance, visa, personal expenses.
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