Panda Volunteer Program: What You’ll Do and Where to Go

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: be a 1-day volunteer for giant pandas. There are some reserves and organizations in China that offer volunteer opportunities. Let's dive into this article and see where to be a giant panda volunteer and what to do in the panda volunteer program.

Where Can I Be a Volunteer for Giant Pandas?

Baby pandas are having fun with each other

The best place to volunteer for giant pandas is Chengdu. 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: Shenshuping Base, Dujiangyan Panda Center, and Bifengxia Panda Reserve.

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What to Do as a Giant Panda Volunteer

Pandas are sleeping on the roof of a wooden house

In a giant panda volunteer program, the typical activities you'll be involved in include preparing food for pandas, cleaning the enclosures of pandas, and observing panda behavior. A skilled and experienced educator will assist you in completing the activities. There are lots of things to do during rest time. For example, you can walk around the park, watch pandas, visit the museum, watch panda documentaries, etc.

Finally, you will receive a certificate and a panda medal for memorizing at the base.

Other FAQs about the Program

1. How long does a volunteer program last?

A giant panda volunteer program lasts for about 7 and a half hours. Additionally, traffic may cause delays. So we suggest you set aside a whole day of your China tour to take part in this program.

2. Can I take photos during my volunteering period?

Yes. Normally, you're allowed to take photos during this program. However, for the safety of both pandas and you, you may not take pictures with them at a close distance.

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

The giant panda volunteer programs require participants to be at least 8 years old. If your kid is under 8 years old, he or she can still take part in this program as long as his or her height reaches 135 cm (about 4' 4).

Also, you may need to provide the following information:

a. A health certificate issued by a standard hospital.

b. An introduction to you. If you have volunteer experience before, please write it down.

c. A copy of your passport.

d. Your contact information, such as your address, zip code, e-mail, telephone number, and so on.

4. What's the cost of taking part in a panda volunteer program?

The volunteer programs will cost around $100 per person. This includes the entrance fee and lunch at the base.

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.

Pandas are eating broken bamboos

Tips for Giant Panda Volunteers

• 1. Do not wear any perfumes or any makeup that has a strong fragrance before taking part in this program. Pandas are sensitive to smell.
• 2. Please turn off the flash when you want to take photos of pandas. Because flash may harm their eyes, especially infant pandas'.
• 3. Always follow the panda keeper's instructions.
• 4. For your convenience, please don't wear slippers, high heels, or open-toe shoes.
• 5. 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.
• 6. Do not turn your back on the pandas when you are working with them.
• 7. Do not make noises or any sudden movements. Pandas need a quiet environment.
• 8. 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.