Panda Special

Pandas have become a worldwide symbol for animal conservation. However, many people do not know the severity of what the future holds for these beautiful animals. Although pandas have been taken off the endangered list, an increase in conservation efforts is still needed to ensure their chance of survival and to strive once again in their natural habitat. Pandas are well known for their incredibly slow reproduction rate, so this along with the threat of poachers and environmental damage to their habitat, is of course slowing the rate of population further. F&Y Consultant holds this issue very close to our hearts. Therefore, we are offering the chance for you to volunteer at one of Chinas prestige Panda reservation centres. In your experience you will have the chance to get up and close with the bears, cleaning out their enclosures, washing and feeding them and of course receiving lots of Panda cuddles! Your work experience will vary on a daily basis, yet, one thing for sure is that you will go away feeling a huge sense of achievement, knowing your personal efforts have helped save the future of this amazing animal! You will be given an official certificate after your week volunteering which can be a constant reminder of your amazing efforts!

Skills/Qualifications Needed
Medical requirements:

Volunteers should show an interest in wildlife conservation along with a passion for animal welfare. It is best to remember that flexibility and patience serve well for a volunteer.

The conservation centre requires all participants to provide a record of all immunizations along with a physical record dating back no longer than 3 months. Please note these need to be original paper format.

Children from 8-18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian

Volunteer responsibilities:

Each day hold a new and exciting adventure working with giant Pandas! This volunteer project is very hands-on and you will be interacting directly with the Pandas. Your volunteer at the Ya’an Bifengxia will include:

• Cleaning animal enclosures
• Bathing the animals
• Helping with basic medical treatments
• Animal observation and behavioural documentation
• General maintenance and centre repairs including landscaping, fencing, e.c.t

Room/Food/Daily Life
About Chengdu and Ya’an:

Ya’an is located in the Sichuan Province of China, Ya’an sits in the highlands about 1000 meters above sea level. The local climate has 4 distinctive seasons. Pandas living in the Bifengxia centre live in large personal cages with indoor and outdoor spaces, these are semi natural enclosures protected by a fence. This way, the pandas experience the process to adjust to a natural environment before being released back into the wild.

Meals and Accommodation:

Accommodation is provided along with 3 meals per day on weekdays and 2 meals per day on weekends. Two volunteers will share a room with a private bathroom.

In Chengdu Youth Hostel 4/6 volunteers share a room with a public bathroom.

Please note: Electricity in China is 220 volts, if you require a device that does not accept 220 volts at 50 Herts, you will need a voltage converter, this should be purchased in advance.

Medical Facilities:

The project is 30 minutes walking distance from the local clinic for non-emergencies. If you require urgent hospital care the staff will facilitate this. Please note: the centre is not responsible for any medical costs, this sits with the volunteer. The emergency medical phone number in China is 120, our staff however, will of course will help you in any case of an emergency.