Panda Bear Conservation near Xi'an

  China

• Xi'an: 
Xi'an

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Multiple dates year round

Description: Life is rarely black and white - unless you're a Giant Panda on the brink of extinction. With a total world population of 1,000 (270 of which are in the Shaanxi reserves), there are certainly no grey areas up for discussion. Volunteers who have had their eye on this line of conservation work can now have a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal to these living fossils, and 'panda' to their every need.

Based in majestic surroundings at the foot of the Qingling mountains, volunteers will also have the chance to work with fascinating species, indigenous to China, such as the Golden Monkey, Crested Ibis and the sheep-like Takin. Volunteers will be involved with shedding some light on the plight of all these creatures by developing literature, programs of activities, teaching resources and internet/email facilities.

Typical tasks include:
- Cleaning animal enclosures and waterholes. This allows you to get up close and personal with the wide variety of animals at the centre. As well as a number of endangered species, there are other animals, including black deer, lesser pandas (red pandas), monkeys, peacocks as well as other animals.
- Feeding the animals and observing their behavior during feeding and cleaning times.
- General maintenance activities at the park including plant control and fencing.
- You may also become involved in helping to keep the website updated and designing pamphlets for foreign tourists.
- Depending on the numbers of foreign tourists visiting the park, you may be asked to lead tours.
- Helping local staff to develop their conversational English.
- There may be the opportunity to accompany the centre staff on rescue outings. This involves going into the local mountain area.
- You can also become involved in research activities on the animals in the park, particularly the Pandas. This is only usually done around the mating/breeding times of the year, i.e. March/April and August.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html.

Highlights: This is an amazing opportunity to get close to some of the rarest - and best known - animals on the planet. The world's total population of wild Giant Pandas stands at about 1,000, which are mainly distributed in Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces of China. In Shaanxi, there are about 270 giant pandas living in Panda Reservations. At the centre where you will be working they are currently looking after and monitoring 10 giant pandas.

Qualifications: You must be at least 21 years old and have an interest in animal conservation. Related animal conservation experience is helpful, but not required. You will have to submit a resume as part of the application process.

Cost in US$: US$ 2335.00 for 2 weeks, US$ 550.00 for every week thereafter

Before you depart we offer:

- detailed information on your project and country,
- fundraising advice and support,
- visa instruction,
- vaccination recommendations,
- advice on health, safety & culture shock,
- English teacher training course (TEFL),
- contact details to pass along to your family.

When you arrive we provide:

- pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date,
- welcome orientation,
- accommodation & food,
- well-researched, quality placement,
- support of in-country i-to-i team

You will always have:

- access to our emergency support team 24/7,
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff,
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 21 - 80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to China Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994