This is a unique chance to get up-close and personal to the precious Giant Panda in the remote Chinese wilderness. Life is rarely black and white… unless you're a Giant Panda on the brink of extinction. With an already low world population in decline there are certainly no grey areas in this conservation project, so do your bit and ‘panda’ to their every need! Based in majestic surroundings at the foot of the Qingling mountains, you'll also have the chance to work with other fascinating species indigenous to China such as the Golden Monkey, Crested Ibis and the sheep-like Takin.
At this project you will be working in a Chinese conservation centre that aims to preserve some of the world's most endangered species. These include: Giant Pandas, Golden Monkeys, the Crested Ibis, the Takin; which is a large sheep-like creature that lives only in China and Bhutan, as well as the Sika, which is similar in appearance to a deer. The Golden Monkeys and the crested Ibis are both indigenous to China.
The world's total population of wild Giant Pandas stands at about 1,000, which are mainly distributed in Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces of China. In Shaanxi, there are about 270 giant pandas living in Panda Reservations. At the centre where you will be working they are currently looking after and monitoring fifteen giant pandas.
You can also help the staff with their English, which is important so that they can attract more tourists and generate an increase in revenue at the centre, this can then pay for research and looking after the pandas. The project staff also want to improve and practice their English, so that they can attend international conferences about animal conservation.
There's a wide range of activities which you'll be able to choose from to ensure you get the most from your trip! Daily duties have been developed by previous volunteers working together with the staff at the centre and the in country coordinator to maximize your experience and learning opportunities. You will be able to specify which animals in particular you want to work with. Please note that the Pandas are kept in enclosures in the park with access to greenery, however the park is not a safari park.
There is also the opportunity to teach some English phrases at the local Lou Guantai School; nursery rhymes and basic English phrases are particularly popular. The staff at the centre will organize a trip into the mountains either by foot or on horse, weather permitting. Basic Chinese lessons can be arranged for you if required. A TEFL course is included with this adventure, as there will be an element of teaching on an informal basis at this project. You will be asked to teach conversational English to the staff to enable them to communicate with the tourists, and to help them work towards being able to attend international endangered animal conferences and translate journals.
A CV is required for confirmation from the project and the minimum age for this project is 21. You need to be a mature and responsible person, with good communication skills. You also need to use your initiative at the project and be prepared to get stuck in and help out with a wide range of tasks, including cleaning. You need to be quite independent and confident too, as the project is in a remote location with limited facilities and you will attract attention as a foreigner.
You need to be aware that sometimes Chinese people say what they think you want to hear rather than speaking frankly, to save face and to try and please you! A negotiation and compromise is always preferable to confrontation. You will find that you need to use your initiative and be proactive on the project as your colleagues may not be that forthcoming in telling you exactly what needs to be done and when.
From January 2009 you will be staying in onsite accommodation at the park on a shared room basis, with a chance to watch the pandas from your bedroom window! Meals will be taken at a local restaurant.
Up until January 2009 you will be staying in a pleasant hotel in beautiful surroundings, located just a 10-minute walk from the park. The rooms are shared, giving you the perfect opportunity to bond with your fellow volunteers!
Please note that your first three nights accommodation will be in Xi`an, either at the volunteer apartment or at a local guesthouse, before transferring to your main accommodation for the project.
The project will aim to provide any materials or equipment such as boots, gloves and overcoats. However, shoe sizes differ so you may prefer to bring your own wellington boots and gloves! Wellington boots are essential for when it's raining.
*SPECIAL POINTS*: Take old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty; comfortable khaki is preferable, while comfy hiking shoes are essential. Bring a hat in the summer as the sun is extremely strong and hot!
*IMPORTANT NOTE*: In order to protect the Pandas from any infections, the project has requested that you provide a medical note from your doctor when you arrive, confirming that you are fit and well and are not carrying any infectious diseases. Please send this into our office a month prior to your arrival and take it with you to the project.
You will be working in a very remote location, which is about 1.5 to 2 hours away from Xi'an city centre. The area is very rural so DON'T expect a raving nightlife, restaurants and shops!
There are beautiful reserves up in the hills to trek in and you may wish to bring reading materials or an activity to occupy yourself with in the evenings. There are hot springs nearby and you may also want to do some horse riding during your spare time.
There is very limited public transport but you may be able to ride with project staff into Xi'an at weekends so that you can see the sensational local sights (terracotta warriors, Chinese Gardens, historic Muslim Quarter, City wall, bell tower and Pagodas), get internet access and explore! The region you'll be staying in is at the northern foot of Mount Zhongnan - 15 kilometers southeast of the seat of Zhouzhi County, Shaanxi Province. The area is backed by mountains and overlooks a river. The surrounding forests are very lush and beautiful and are great for walking in and are full of Chinese pine, juniper trees and bamboo.
Please check the website http://pandacentre.bebo.com/ for more information about the centre.
You'll be provided with all your meals each day from a nearby restaurant.
If you time your arrival to one of the designated arrival dates then airport pick-up is completely free. Please book your flight to arrive into Xi'anyang airport in Xi'an (airport code XIY). Should you require a different pick-up time, a charge of GBP£18 will required to cover fuel and staff time to come and get you. Some volunteers also like to travel overland from places like Beijing, Hong Kong or Shanghai. Any additional nights needed at the orientation accommodation, for example if you arrive a day or two early, will be roughly 50RMB per night, payable directly to the accommodation.
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