About the project
Volunteers are welcome to assist in an exciting and rewarding program with giant pandas in China. Their species is threatened so the conservation effort is of paramunt importance.The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) is located in the Wolong Nature Resevre. For over 20 years the organization has worked for the preservation of the Panda population and has now resolved three key problems of breeding which restricted reproduction of the panda for a long time. The current panda birth and survival rates are some of the best in the world. The captive panda population of the program has risen from an initial 6 animals to over 70 pandas. In 2003 the first stage of a state-of-the-art panda base was completed: a veritable panda paradise. It is divided into 6 sections: panda raising and breeding area, scientific study area, food preparing and animal hospital area, staff living area, bamboo base area,and tourist accommodation area.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers are needed to assist in safeguarding the future of these most captivating animals. Volunteers will take part in a structured one week’s program which includes in depth training on the care of pandas and guidelines for working with pandas. Volunteers will be assigned as an assistant to a trainer, who will be able to answer their questions and instruct them in the care of pandas. Some of the activities are:
- Prepare food for the pandas such as apples, panda bread, and carrots
- Chop and carry bamboo
- Clean panda enclosures
- Observe and do research with the pandas
- Assist in providing medical care of the pandas
Its important to note that there is limited to no contact with the pandas, since they are very sensitive. Volunteers mainly work with the mature pandas in the reproduction facility. The reserve also has panda cub enclosures which are closed to visitors yet accessible to volunteers through viewing windows. For a contribution, it is possible to come in close contact with the young pandas for a few minutes. The pandas are friendly and the staff is very professional so there is mimimal risk.
Sample Schedule
Since volunteers are off for the weekends and the first 2 days upon arrival are introduction and orientation, we recommend a stay of at least 2 weeks.
One week sample schedule:
Sunday
- Pick up from Chengdu airport.
- Welcome dinner at 6:30pm
Monday
- Meeting: Brief explanation of Program
- Orientation/tour in Chengdu
- Local market & People’s Park/
- Kuan-zhai Alley – a famous old pedestrian street with well-preserved traditional architecture, many small shops for souvenirs and it's a nice place for relax.
- Chunxi Street - Business Center of Chengdu
- Dinner around 6pm
Tuesday
- Transfer to Panda Reserve by bus in the morning.
- Lunch at the Panda Conservation base.
- In the afternoon, visit Panda Reserve office to get registered as Volunteer, get working uniform and staff card.
- Take a tour of the Panda Conservation Base.
- Watching DVD to get basic knowledge of Pandas (Can be watched anytime during the week if volunteers want to know more about Pandas)
- Meet your Trainer/ the Panda Keeper.
- Dinner
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
- Volunteering at the Panda Conservation Base.
- Work as an assistant of the Panda Keeper:
- Clean the bedroom and the garden for the giant panda
- Prepare food, such as: carrot, apples, panda bread and biscuit. Chop and carry the bamboo.
- Occasionally you are needed to help the scientists to collect the behavior data.
- This also applies to helping the veterinary to give medical care to the pandas.
- Additional: We offer Free Chinese lessons in Greenway Community room from 4pm to 6pm everyday.
Saturday
- At 8am, transfer to Chengdu airport/Chengdu city (trip time around 3 hours)
Accommodation & Facilities
Volunteer's new home will be a hostel located within the Panda reserve, next to the Panda Conservation Base and surrounded by mountains. Please note the hostel is relatively basic and is run by local villagers. You will be sharing a room with another volunteer. All rooms have electric blankets and an attached bathroom with 24 hour hot water (Asian style toilets). Volunteers will have 3 good meals day; the food is typically Chinese with a delicious variety of dishes.
Not just work...
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province. It is a well-known city with a rich history and civilization. The province has many places of interest and is famous for its traditional arts and crafts, ethnic folklore and beautiful landscapes. The Shuangliu International Airport and the Chengdu Railway Station allow easy access for visitors to explore the region.
Volunteers will be offered 2 hours of free Chinese lessons a day.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18
- Basic English or/and chinese
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with animals
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)