Description

Volunteer in China on your gap year and help to protect one of the world's most lovable and endangered animals  the Giant Panda! Volunteers work in a panda conservation centre in Sichuan Province, which has been working with the World Wildlife Federation for over 30 years to protect the endangered Giant Panda.

This wildlife conservation centre has successfully tackled some of the main breeding challenges facing pandas in the wild, including problematic mating and pregnancy and low infant survival. With government support this conservation project has successfully increased its captive panda population from 6 to over 70, and boasts a range of reproduction, rescue and educational facilities.

Conservation volunteers can play a key role in protecting the future of the Giant Panda. It is estimated that the total number of pandas in the world is less than 1600 and most of these live in Sichuan Province, so despite the centre's success, their future remains uncertain.

Conservation volunteers fly into Chengdu in Sichuan Province, where they are given a tour of the city's attractions, before being transferred by bus to the panda reserve the next day. Your first day at the centre will be spent being introduced to the panda conservation facilities, meeting the staff and being briefed on your role.

Following their induction, gap year volunteers will begin working as an assistant to the panda keeper, helping with various activities in the panda reserve. These could include preparing and serving food for the pandas, cleaning their enclosures and ensuring that they are comfortable and secure. In some cases, panda conservation volunteers will be asked to help the veterinary staff to provide medical care for the pandas, or to take part in research activities and help scientists to collect behavioural data.

Highlights

If you love pandas, then you're certain to love this conservation project! Volunteers can get up close and personal with one of the world's most iconic animals and learn what it takes to protect the Giant Panda, while making a real difference to its survival themselves.

During your volunteer project you can take advantage of free Chinese language lessons and soak up real Chinese culture, as you get a taste of life in this amazing part of the world. The panda conservation centre is enclosed by mountains and with attractions such as the Yangtze River and the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an located within easy reach of Chengdu, this is a fantastic place to spend your gap year in China!

Qualifications

No qualifications necessary, but volunteers should have an interest in conservation and working with animals.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit our website for more information

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Cost includes pre-departure guidance and briefing, airport pick-up and drop-off, in-country orientation and welcome pack, cultural tour of Chengdu & transfer to Panda Conservation Base, shared hotel accommodation and meals for duration of placement and full in-country support from our local coordinator.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

GapGuru's Mission Statement

GapGuru is a gap year specialist offering a wide range of exciting volunteer projects, travel programs and gap year internships across Asia, Africa, South America & Europe. We are committed to providing unique programs and unrivaled customer service that helps you to make the most of your gap year abroad.