Fewer than 1000 pandas survive in the world today. Their habitat has been decimated by human encroachments and very few survive in the wild. About 270 pandas are being breed in captivity in the research center in Qingling Mountains, which is about an hour away from Xi’an, together with other indigenous species that also face extinction. The area around Qingling Mountains is also the region where pandas survive in the wild. The pandas are surprisingly vegetarians and consume amount of bamboos daily to sustain their massive physique. They also need good care to be successfully bred. The staffs at the center are well trained and the volunteer program is well coordinated to give volunteers maximum experience and opportunity. So volunteer in the project and be part of this wonderful effort to save unique species from extinction.
How Does This Project Make a Difference?
The project is the only major panda research and breeding center in the world. Without the project’s work, the pandas may well have joined the list of endangered species. Our volunteers will be looking after 15 giant pandas. The volunteers will also teach English to the staff of the project, and may also conduct tours, if the center receives large number of foreign visitors.
Highlights of the Program
The work involves cleaning the enclosures and water holes, and your clothes can often become dirty. In order to not be fussy about work, and do your job with dedication, volunteers are recommended to bring extra sets of clothes for the project. You can throw away the clothes when the project finishes. A pair of willies is also recommended, though the project will also provide them. If you are comfortable with your normal shoes and don’t mind them, you don’t need to borrow or bring any willies. With the help of local staffs, you’ll also feed the animals, observe their behavior, and check fencing and do other maintenance work. You can also teach English to staffs and in nearby school and edit website of the research center.
Location
The research center is located near the Qingling Mountains, which is about an hour from Xi’an. The area around the center is lush and there are many places for you to trek and enjoy the views. Other activities include taking a dip in hot springs and doing some horse riding. You can also take a ride back to Xi’an in project’s vehicle and enjoy many sights of the city. |