We would love your help and care with the Giant Panda in China. Although everyone loves a panda, with just 1600 left in the whole world it is the most endangered animal on the planet right now. Saving this species is a race against the clock. Help us care for the panda in China, sign up and get up close and personal with the amazing Giant Panda!
Giant Panda Conservation in China
Did you know that the bamboo eating Giant Panda is the “National Treasure” of China as well as the face of WWF? No wonder, these lovely and beautiful animals are the rarest members of the bear family and among the world’s most threatened animals. The WWF puts seeing the Giant Panda number one on the list of must see wildlife, and now is your chance to work with this lovely creature!
Highlights
- Tour of Chengdu, the “Heavenly State”
- Stay at a giant panda breeding facility in China
- Get to spend time with the Giant Panda in their natural surroundings
- Airport pick up, meals, accommodation and in country support included
Your Role
You will be working according to a daily schedule which will vary depending on the duties and number of volunteers sharing the work. The majority of the volunteer work that you will get involved with includes:
- Preparing food for the pandas such as apples, panda bread, carrots, and carry lots of bamboo
- Serving the pandas food
- Cleaning the pandas enclosures
Photos
Itinerary – First Week
Sunday
Arrival into Chengdu! We will transfer you to your accommodation for your welcome dinner and programme briefing.
Monday
Today you will have a tour of Chengdu. Capital of the Sechuan Province and known as the “Heavely State.” Two thousand years of history awaits you. Chengdu is famous for its Shu embroideries with bright colours and delicate designs.
Tuesday
In the morning you will be transferred by bus to Bifengxia Panda Base by bus. The journey is 150km and takes approximately two and a half hours (please note, this includes changing buses on the way), before enjoying your first lunch at the Panda Base. After lunch you will be given a full tour of the Base while also being introduced to your trainer and the panda keeper. Following this there will be an explanation of the guidelines for your work. In the evening it will be time to relax as you enjoy a meal at a local restaurant with your fellow volunteers.
Wednesday to Friday
Start the day with a briefing from the panda keepers before assisting them with their work at the Panda Base.
Saturday and Sunday
The weekends are your free time. You can spend this either by staying at the Panda Base or travelling around the area.
Second week
Monday to Friday
Working as an assistant to the panda keepers
Saturday and Sunday
Free time
Please note: Although you will be working in close proximity to the adult pandas, you will not have any physical contact with them. However, if there are baby pandas at the reserve while you are there you may have the opportunity to interact with them. You can pay a fee to the reserve which helps to fund the research and protection of the pandas, so please be prepared to take some extra money with you, an extra £50 should be sufficient for taking a photo and a £100 for 5 minutes playing time. Please note this is an optional extra and is dependent on the condition and age of the pandas.
Volunteers will be working Monday – Friday. Typical working hours are between 2 and 4 hours a day
Based on the needs of the project at that time, you may also get the opportunity to observe and do research on the pandas, and help in providing medical care for them.
Please note: Itineraries and activities are subject to change
Accommodation & Meals
Your home while on the programme will be the hotel in Xiaoxitian, which is located in the Panda Base surrounded by forests and mountains. There are two or three beds in your the room which will have an attached bathroom with plenty of hot water and Chinese style toilet. There is a laundry available for you to use.
You will have three meals a day provided in the nearby restaurant. The food is typical Chinese and will contain a variety of yummy dishes. English menu translations provided!!!
Free Time
The weekends will give you a great opportunity to explore the local area. There are a few shops and bars within five minutes walk of the Panda Base, and a town that takes about ten minutes by car to get to. Alternatively you can simply relax at the Panda Base with some of your fellow volunteers. There is also a nature reserve and zoo next door for you to explore.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in China you will have the support and guidance of our programme coordinators. They will provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
Minimum age 18
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the panda conservation project located?
Are there any shops nearby?
Where can I withdraw cash from?
What if want to use Facebook, or call my mum?
What is the weather like and what kind of clothes should I pack?
During the winter months it can be very cold. Electric blankets are supplied to all beds. These can be useful for drying the damp sheets in the summer when it gets very humid and wet. The mountain weather is very changeable.
Bring comfortable clothes. Waterproof shoes and a rain jacket come in handy and a fleece for colder weather. It is advisable for participants to check the weather forecast before they leave. (It tends to be a few degrees colder and a little wetter in the mountains than in Chengdu city).
It is a good idea to bring along some books and a small torch as power-cuts are quite common in China.
Are there hospitals?
Price
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Including
- Information pack before departure
- Airport pick up
- All accommodation
- Introduction
- Tour in surrounding areas
- Work clothes
- Meals
- Assistance
- Tutoring on pandas and how to help
- Volunteering Certificate
Excluding
- Flights
- Visa
- Insurance
- Spending money
Dates
Start dates are every Sunday. Airport pick up is included when arriving on Sunday before 5 pm. Please contact us for more details.
“The pandas were so beautiful, I absolutely loved my time with the project. China was really special and I would love to go back”Lily small
“The people are really friendly and the pandas were so cute. I really feel I have made a difference after this trip.”Jemima Olsen