Panda Conservation & Tour
1) Intro
The giant panda is one of the most endangered animals in the world with a current estimate of only 1600 alive today. This project gives you a great opportunity to have to observe and help these amazing creatures. Your assistance will go a long way to helping stop the giant panda becoming extinct while also having the opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese culture.
2) Itinerary
China
The land that China occupies has been home to ancient civilisations dating back six millennia, making it one of the longest occupied areas in the world. They also have the longest continuous writing system and the Four Great Inventions of Ancient China - paper, the compass, gunpowder and printing.
Your Typical Itinerary
You will receive in-depth training on how to care for pandas and the guidelines for working with them. The following itinerary is an example of the first week and is subject to change:
Sunday
Arrival into Chengdu! We will transfer you to your accommodation for your welcome dinner and programme briefing.
Monday
A full free day to settle in and explore Chengdu.
Tuesday
In the morning you will be transferred to Bifengxia by bus, which takes approximately 2 and half hours, 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 some short training and 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-Friday
Start the day with a briefing from the panda keepers before assisting them with their work at the Panda Base.
Saturday-Sunday
The weekends are your free time. You can spend this either by staying at the Panda Base or traveling around the area.
Duration> One Week, can be extended to two weeks.
Price> This program costs 20,000 Baht for one week, it covers all meals/ accommodation and full program as stated in the above itinerary.
3) Facilities & Benefits
Accommodation and Meals
Your home while on the program will be the hotel in Xiaoxitian, which is located in the Panda Base surrounded by forests and mountains. There are 2 or 3 beds in your the room which will have an attached bathroom with Chinese style toilets which has 24-hour hot water and there is a washing laundry available.
You will have 3 meals provided in the nearby restaurant. The food is typical Chinese and will contain a variety of yummy dishes.
Free Time
The weekends will give you a great opportunity to explore the local area. There are a few shops and bars within 5 minutes walk of the Panda Base, and a town that takes about 10 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 program 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.
Volunteer Role
You will be working according to a daily schedule which will vary depending on the duties and number of volunteers sharing the work. Volunteers will be able to:
Prepare food for the pandas such as apples, panda bread, carrots, carry lots of bamboo,
Serve them food,
Clean the Panda’s enclosures,
Observe and do research on the pandas, and help in providing medical care for them. You will also have time to watch and photograph the pandas.
What’s Included in the Program
Airport transfer in Chengdu
Welcome dinner
24 hour emergency service
Food and accommodation (in shared rooms)
Visa support
Pre-departure training
What’s Not Included in the Program
International flights
Insurance
Extra activities not on itinerary
Personal expenses
4) Apply
For more information or to apply for this program, please download the application form and email to info@thegreenlion.net