Help to Conserve the Incredible Giant Panda in China

  China

• Beijing: 
Beijing

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Dates: Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Description: Your role as Assistant Panda Keeper will give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the world's most endangered species - the beautiful Giant Panda. You'll be able to observe, understand and get to know the pandas living at the Panda Sanctuary during your project, and really feel as though you are contributing to the conservation of one of the most endangered species on the globe.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the Orient and Chinese culture.
--> The enormous satisfaction of helping the pandas and knowing that you made a difference to them.
--> Lots of friends from around the world and a great social experience
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

Activities that you will take part in can include (but are not limited to):

--> Cleaning the panda enclosures
--> Preparing food for the pandas, such as carrots, apples, panda bread and nutritional biscuits
--> Research activities, such as collecting behavioral data and contributing to the understanding & preservation of the species
--> Assisting with providing medical care for the pandas
--> Carrying lots and lots of bamboo...
--> Caring for baby pandas at the "Baby Giant Panda Care Zone"
--> Assisting with marketing at the reserve, dependent upon your skills - for example, helping with the website, funding bids, translation of materials into English, etc.
--> Observing and getting to understand the pandas... and of course, lots of hands on contact and cuddles

When you arrive, you you'll be taken to your accommodation, settled in and introduced to everyone that you'll be working with. After the opportunity to relax and recover from your journey, you'll receive a full tour of the Panda Base and in-depth training, before getting stuck in! You will generally work from 8am-5pm every day with a number of breaks during the day. You'll have weekends off to relax and sightsee with the other volunteers. You'll also have access to a selection of tours and cultural activities in groups with the other volunteers!

ACCOMMODATION:

You will stay in a fantastic and beautiful traditionally Chinese themed guesthouse on site along with the other volunteers. The hostel is only 3 minutes by foot from your workplace, so everything is within easy reach! You'll have access to all the modern facilities you'd expect: internet access, a kitchen, TV, common room with DVDs, a security locker, washing machines, and a bar & restaurant on premises. All volunteers will share with 1 other volunteer of the same sex.

Highlights: WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you.
Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It's as easy as that.

ABOUT THE PANDA BASE:

Wolong Panda Reserve, founded in 1980 with assistance from the WWF, was one of the world's most famous and well respected Panda Sanctuaries before the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake destroyed much of the infrastructure. This left the Giant Pandas homeless, and most of them were transferred to the Panda Protection and Research Center where Travellers now works.

The base is around 1 hour by bus from Chengdu - a lively, vibrant Chinese city (famous for spicy food!) where volunteers often spend time at the weekends. The Panda Base is surrounded by V shaped Gorges, and the area is famous for its varied vegetation, valleys and waterfalls.

The Panda Base has a dual purpose - research, breeding and preservation of the pandas alongside tourism, which raises money for the centre and educates the public. It has several areas, including the Giant Panda breeding zone, the baby Giant Panda care zone, the research centre, the bamboo woods (where 6 kinds of bamboo grow) and the offices. The Base occupies an area of 60 square Km.

The aim of the Base is to breed Giant Pandas, give them stimulation and 'training' on how to live in the wild, then release them. This is the work that you will be helping with.

ABOUT THE GIANT PANDA, AND WHY WE NEED TO HELP!

The giant panda's future remains uncertain. This peaceful, bamboo-eating member of the bear family faces a number of threats. Its forest habitat, in the mountainous areas of southwest China, is fragmented and giant panda populations are small and isolated from each other. Meanwhile, poaching remains an ever-present threat.

By mid-2005, the Chinese government had established over 50 panda reserves, protecting more than 10,400km² and over 45% of remaining giant panda habitat.

However, habitat destruction continues to pose a threat to the many pandas living outside these areas, and poaching is a further problem.

Currently, only around 61% of the population, or about 980 pandas, are under protection in reserves. As China's economy continues its rapid development, it is more important than ever to ensure the giant panda's survival.

"The giant panda's future remains uncertain... Saving the panda is not just about saving a cute animal. The panda is an amazing species, but above all it is the symbol of one of the most important regions in China: the Yangtze Basin.

The survival of the panda and the protection of its habitat will ensure the quality of life of millions of people living in the area. Panda habitat is found at the top of the Yangtze Basin, an ecoregion shared by both pandas and communities who have used the region's natural resources for thousands of years. The basin is the geographic and economic heart of China, and is one of the critical places for biodiversity conservation in the world. Its diverse habitats contain many rare, endemic and endangered animal and plant species, the best known being the giant panda.

Economic benefits derived from the Yangtze Basin include tourism, subsistence fisheries and agriculture, transport, hydropower and water resources. This is why the survival of species, such as the panda, and the protection of these areas is so important. It is the only way we will guarantee that the populations living in the region will continue to reap ecosystem benefits for many future generations." - WWF's Giant Panda Profile

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit any animal lover who wants to make a real difference whilst experiencing China.

Cost in US$: Starts from 1,697 USD for 2 weeks

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: These placements would suit people who care about the Giant Panda and conservation. Ideally a nature lover who has an interest in Chinese culture. No previous experience or qualification is necessary. These placements are ideal for people who want to have a structured placement at the same time as having an exciting travel experience. Patience, adaptability and initiave definitely an advantage. No language skills needed - just English.

Age Range: It varies - please ask us for more details.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to China Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of varies

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995