panda conservation in china

One of the symbols of China is the giant panda, and for good reasons. Mountainous regions of Sichuan and Tibet are the only natural habitats for this amazing animal. While evidence of the giant panda can be found two thousand years ago during the Han Empire, the panda is a new "discovery" for the West. The first news of the giant panda reached Europe in the late 19th century. In the last hundred years, pandas have fallen victim to poaching and have been threatened by population explosion which continues to shrink their fragile habitat. In addition, pandas struggle to survive due to their typically slow reproductive and high infant mortality rates. Currently, it is estimated that only 1,600 giant pandas exist today, most of them in the mountains of China.

The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) in the Wolong Nature Reserve located in Sichuan is one of the leading conservation centers committed to saving the giant panda. The Center is perhaps the foremost panda breeding, research and preservation facility in the world. Most pandas outside China were born and raised at CCRCGP, including pandas found at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. and San Diego Zoo. Not only does the center engage in breeding programs for the giant panda, but it focuses on preservation education, habitat restoration and scientific research aimed at maintaining the small panda population both in the wild and in captivity. The nature reserve is involved in conservation efforts for China's golden monkey and red panda as well.

Volunteers will assist at the Center, preparing food for the pandas, participating in feeding and observing the panda population, and assisting vets at the panda hospital located at the center. Individuals may also work to collect data and assist with research studies. During their stay, volunteers will have a chance to take hikes in the beautiful Wolong Mountains. The reserve is located in China's Min and Qionglai Mountains on the border of the Tibetan Plateau - three hours by car from the city of Chengdu.

*Because of road construction during the summer of 2008, volunteers may be placed at an alternate panda conservation site.  While not as large as the Wolong Nature Reserve, other panda conservation centers provide similar ways for volunteers to help the preservation of the pandas.

Eligibility:

World Endeavors requires that at least two volunteers at a time participate in this program. If you wish to enroll in this program, but you are not submitting an application with a friend, please contact us to inquire about dates when spots for single participants may be open.

Volunteers must have:

• Flexibility
• Self-motivation
• An openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn
• Willingness to work with animals

Pre-Departure Information: Before participants embark, they will be provided a pre-departure guide that includes important details about their experience abroad. In addition to the guide, participants may contact World Endeavors any time prior to departure with questions.

Activities: During time off from volunteering, individuals can take hikes in the Wolong Mountains and relax on the grounds of the Panda Center.

Not Included:

• Round trip airfare to China
• Air transportation within China
• Visa expenses and airport taxes
• Personal expenses

Note: for university or other academic groups, World Endeavors will package the program per request. Please contact us for details. World Endeavors can also help to arrange group travel after the program.

Image courtesy of Tara Sheehan (c)