What does the conservation project do?
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.
Why does the project need volunteers?
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.
Your role as a volunteer
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.
Typical tasks include:
Cleaning animal enclosures and waterholes. This allows you to get up close and personal with the wide variety of animals at the centre. As well as a number of endangered species, there are other animals, including black deer, lesser pandas (red pandas), monkeys, peacocks as well as other animals.
Feeding the animals and observing their behaviour during feeding and cleaning times.
General maintenance activities at the park including plant control and fencing.
You may also become involved in helping to keep the website updated and designing pamphlets for foreign tourists.
Depending on the numbers of foreign tourists visiting the park, you may be asked to lead tours.
Helping local staff to develop their conversational English.
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.
The skills you need
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.
Accommodation included
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.
Project resources and advice
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.
Local facilities
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!
Ideas for your spare time
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.
Food included
You'll be provided with all your meals each day from a nearby restaurant.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation: Shared room in hotel until January 2009, after this time shared accommodation on site
- Food: All meals
- Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
- Training: In-country orientation and Online TEFL course
- Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support
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