Giant Panda Volunteer Program: What You’ll Do & Where to Join

Giant pandas are adorable black and white bears native to China. I know many of you have a love for giant pandas and want to save this amazing creature from the brink of extinction. The good news is that we can get a chance to help them on our own by taking part in the panda loving program, which is also called the panda volunteer program, and be a 1-day assistant for taking care of giant pandas. There are some reserves and organizations in China that offer panda caring opportunities. Let's dive into this article and see where to be a giant panda assistant and what to do in the panda loving program.

A panda enjoying its meal

What You'll Do as a Giant Panda Volunteer

Giant panda in Chengdu Breeding Center

In a giant panda volunteer program, typical activities include preparing food for the pandas, cleaning their enclosures, and observing their daily behavior. Throughout the experience, a skilled and experienced educator will guide you and help you complete each task safely.

During rest periods, there’s still plenty to enjoy. You can stroll around the reserve, watch the pandas at play, visit the on-site museum, or relax with panda-themed documentaries.

At the end of the program, you’ll receive a volunteer certificate and a panda-themed souvenir medal as a memorable keepsake from your time at the base. Below is a brief introduction to the activities you may experience. Please note that the exact volunteer activities can vary slightly depending on the panda base you visit.

Time	What to Do
9:00 - 9:20	Arrive at the panda base. Change into working clothes and gloves, and get brief training. Take an exclusive car to the working area.
9:20 - 10:00	Guided by a professional instructor, you’ll take part in cleaning the panda enclosures and preparing food, such as breaking and washing bamboo, cleaning shoots, and carrying bamboo.
10:00 - 10:30	Watch keepers feeding pandas and observing pandas' behavior.
10:30 - 11:30	Listen to the teacher's professional explanation and learn the living habits of giant pandas.
11:30 - 12:50	Have lunch at the staff canteen.
12:50 - 13:50	Watch a panda documentary.
13:50 - 14:30	Make steamed buns for pandas and learn about bread recipes and recipes for captive and wild pandas.
14:30 - 15:00	Cut bamboo leaves for elderly giant pandas recovering from convalescence.
15:00 - 15:30	Get a panda volunteer certificate at the base.
15:30 - 16:30	Activity ends. Optional free visit to the park.

Where Can I Take Part in Panda Volunteer Program?

Baby pandas are having fun with each other

There are five popular giant panda bases in Chengdu. However, not all the bases provide giant panda volunteer programs. Currently, you can apply to be a volunteer at the following 3 bases: Dujiangyan Panda Park, Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base, Bifengxia Panda Reserve.

Key Differences Among the 3 Panda Bases with Panda Loving Program

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Dujiangyan Panda Paradise (1.5 hours drive from Chengdu)	Convenient location near the city Home to around 30 pandas Offers other educational activities and lectures	Crowded in the morning
Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base (2 hours drive from Chengdu)	High altitude Good environment Few people	Far from the city center and has high transportation costs
Bifengxia Panda Reserve (2.5 hours drive from Chengdu)	Few visitors The panda enclosure is located within the wildlife park	Farthest location among all options Highest ticket price compared

Other FAQs about the Program

1. How long does a panda volunteer program last?

A giant panda volunteer program typically lasts around seven and a half hours. Since travel time and traffic conditions may vary, we recommend setting aside a full day to comfortably enjoy the experience.

2. Can I take photos during my volunteering period?

Yes. Photography is generally allowed during the program. However, for the safety of both the pandas and participants, taking photos at close range or having direct contact with the pandas is not permitted.

3. Who can take part in the panda volunteer program?

The program is generally open to participants aged 8 to 70. In addition, participants may be required to provide the following information or documents:

• A health certificate issued by a licensed hospital
• A brief personal introduction (please include any previous volunteer experience, if applicable)
• A copy of your passport
• Contact details, such as your address, ZIP code, email address, and phone number

5. Why do we need to break bamboos and cut bamboo leaves for pandas?

Because the bamboos are hard and long, it might be difficult for elder pandas to chew them.

Tips for Giant Panda Volunteers

• Do not wear any perfumes or any makeup that has a strong fragrance before taking part in this program. Pandas are sensitive to smell.
• Please turn off the flash when you want to take photos of pandas. Because flash may harm their eyes, especially infant pandas'.
• Always follow the panda keeper's instructions.
• For your convenience, please don't wear slippers, high heels, or open-toe shoes.
• For safety purposes, do not get into the cage, touch the adult pandas, or let them touch you unless it is permitted. Do not open and close the door under any circumstances.
• Do not turn your back on the pandas when you are working with them.
• Do not make noises or any sudden movements. Pandas need a quiet environment.
• Do not throw foods at the pandas, which might disturb the pandas' eating regime.

Sign Up for the Giant Panda Volunteer Program

If you're interested in panda volunteer program, contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com for a volunteer tour. We will help you apply for this program and design an itinerary for the Chengdu tour that features this program.