Few things are as delightful as observing the wonders of the Giant Panda first hand. Visitors can spend hours watching the playful cubs, or, they can volunteer and provide hands on help to the pandas’ keepers.
The Bifengxia Panda Center is currently accepting visitors and volunteers. Due to the May 2008 earthquake, the Wolong Panda Center is closed to the public. Most of the Wolong pandas have been relocated to the sister Center, Bifengxia, outside Ya'an City.
Volunteers will need to fly to Chengdu, China, and then travel to Ya’an which is about two hours outside of Chengdu. After the Wolong Center is rebuilt, volunteers will once again be accepted.
Trips to Bifengxia must be arranged by qualified individuals or travel agencies. Depending on the time of year and the tour you select, volunteer service will cost approximately $100 per day for lodging, food, uniforms, etc.
In order to volunteer, you should be in generally good health, so we advise you to bring a statement from your Doctor stating that you are in good health. Remember to wear sturdy shoes.
Children under the age of 10 are generally not allowed to volunteer.
There are lodging facilities available in the area which can be arranged by your travel agent.
Following a short training/orientation, volunteer service might include but not be limited to:
- Cleaning panda areas and enclosures
- Cleaning general areas of the Panda Centers
- Preparing food for the pandas such as carrots, apples, panda bread and their nutritional biscuits
- Carrying lots of bamboo
- Sometimes you might be able to help collect behavioral data
You will also have plenty of time to watch and photograph the pandas.
Remember if you are hurt or injured, neither the Panda Center nor Pandas International is responsible/liable. We suggest you consider travel insurance.
The travel agencies listed below have arrangements with selected Panda Centers to provide Panda tours and/or opportunities to volunteer. Their experience and itineraries may vary.
Pandas International does not provide travel services, is not financially affiliated with any travel agency, makes no recommendations concerning the agencies, and does not assume any responsibilities regarding their services.
Prospective travel agencies may contact info@pandasinternational.org for information.
And remember, donations made to the Panda Centers directly are not tax deductible according to the Internal Revenue Service. So, if you wish to adopt a panda, pick your panda while in China then adopt it through Pandas International when you return to the US. All of the money is still sent to the Wolong or Bifengxia Panda Club, and you will receive a legal tax deduction.
Kim's World Travel specializes in travel to the Orient and works
with Mr. Peter Wood of West China Adventures for Eco tours to
the panda reserves. Kim can provide both individualize trips
with volunteer work or fully escorted trips including both the
panda reserve and other destinations in China such as Beijing,
Chengdu, Wolong, Xian, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guilin and
Hong Kong. English speaking guides are always provided. Kim's
World Travel makes a donation from each tour to Pandas International.
For details go to http://www.orientvacations.com or
email Kim at kim@kimsworldtravel.com or
call Kim at Kim's World Travel 303-388-3813.
West China Adventure. If you are already in China or wish a personalized
tour or volunteer experience, please contact Mr. Peter Wood at
West
China
Adventures.
Mr. Wood has excellent contacts and relations with the Panda
Center in Chengdu, the Bifengxia Panda Center and the primer
center for the giant pandas at the Wolong Nature Reserve. Peter
can customize any type of trip you would like. Please see www.westchinaadventures.com or email
info@westchinaadventures.com
 Access China Tours (ACT) is a leading tour company specialized in arranging high quality tours and trips to China and its neighboring regions.
China Panda Tour & Volunteering planed for September 2010- Exploring Beijing, Sichuan, and Shanghai - including Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Jinsha Museum, Chengdu Panda Breeding Center, Shangli Old Village, Volunteering at the Bifengxia Panda Base, the Bund, Shanghai Museum, and much more www.accesschinatours.com or contact info@accesschinatours.com
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