Giant Panda Conservation in China - Affordable Adventures

Panda Project: Pander to Pandas

Volunteers are needed to help safeguard the future of the Giant Panda in China. The 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.

You’ll work closely with the staff at the Panda Base to prepare food and feed the pandas; clean the enclosures; and help ensure this is a safe and secure environment for the animals. We might occasionally ask some of our Global Nomads to help provide medical care to the Pandas, and assist in research projects.

You’ll have plenty of time to photograph, and observe the Pandas at the base, as you get to understand more about this rare and wonderful species.

Cost

From €175 per week, all inclusive.

Schedule

We recommend that you spend at least two weeks with us on this project. In the first week, we’ll organise a Cultural Immersion experience, similar to the one described in the Culture tab above. We’ll take you on tours of Chengdu City, where you can taste local food, and learn about customs and traditions in China. We’ll provide you with language lessons, and teach you a few key phrases to help you communicate with the people you’ll meet during your stay.

You’ll also have the chance to tour the region, and experience the awesome scenery of this region. You’ll visit the majestic E’Mei Mountains; and experience what life is like in the ancient city of Huanglongxi.

We have designed this week to help you feel welcome, and so you don’t feel overwhelmed by your new cultural experiences. We’ll do everything we can to make your adventure as fantastic as you want it to be; just bring a positive attitude, and be ready to get involved.

The Project

Once you have registered at the Panda reserve, and collected your uniform and staff card, you’ll meet your trainer. You’ll work closely together during your stay, and they’ll help give you an idea of what a job in conservation is like. For your own safety, you must follow their instructions at all times. If you are having trouble following your schedule, they’ll be happy to help you with it.

We’ll provide you with orientation DVDs, to help you understand more about the project, and take you on a tour of the Panda Base.

Most of the work will involve providing basic care for the Pandas; preparing food, feeding the animals, and cleaning the enclosures. You might be asked to help the trainers to collect behavioural data on the animals; or help out with the various research, and veterinary projects at the base.

We’ll offer free Chinese classes every day from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.; you don’t have to attend, but we hope they’ll help you start to feel at home in this wonderful country.

Your evenings and weekends will provided you with free time, which you can use to explore the region, or simply relax. There’s a regular bus service from the nearby Ya’an City that will take you to Chengdu, if you wish to tour the city, and do some shopping.

The forests in the area are extremely dense and wild; walking into them alone can be dangerous, as you can easily get lost. If you want to explore, we suggest that you find a group with an experienced guide, or ask someone at the Panda Base; we’ll be happy to help organise an excursion.

Accommodation

During your visit, you’ll stay in the hotel within the nature reserve next to the Panda Base. It’s run by local people, and serves local, spicy food. You’ll share a room with two to four other people, but every room has a bathroom attached to it, and can provide hot water 24 hours a day. All your meals will be provided for you.

There are a few small shops in and around the Panda base; and a bar and common room opposite the hotel, where you can relax, watch TV, and share your experiences with other adventurers.

The Panda Base can provide free internet access during working hours; but when you need money, or wish to use an internet cafe, you’ll have to make the short trip into Ya’an City. If you need medical assistance at any time, there’s a clinic at the base, and several good hospitals in Ya’an.

Climate

Weather in the mountains can be very changeable, and often wet. The winter months are cold, so you’ll need to bring warm clothes if you’re planning to travel during these times. It tends to be a few degrees colder, and wetter at the Panda Base than it is in Chengdu.