Volunteer at Wolong


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Wolong is now allowing individuals or groups to volunteer at the Wolong panda reserve. These trips 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. You might need a health certificate.

The hotel and the Wolong Panda reserve is in the northern Sichuan’s Qinling Mountains and the altitude is about 6,300 feet above sea level. So keep this in mind if you have altitude or breathing problems. This is a remote area. Temperatures are hot and humid in the summer and cold in the winter.

Wolong National Nature Reserve is located in an alpine valley on the Tibetan Plateau. The crystal clear waters of the Pitiao River run through the reserve. Wolong National Nature Reserve has become China's largest and certainly the most important sanctuary for giant pandas and other rare and precious animals and plants. Primitive forest and original ecosystem here are well preserved, and therefore the Reserve is a rare natural park. The subtropical damp climate provides favorable conditions for forest and vegetation to grow. According to relevant statistics, there are more than 4,000 plant species.

Following a short training/orientation-
Volunteer service might include but is not limited to:
• Cleaning panda areas and enclosures
• 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 time to watch and photograph the pandas.

Remember if you are hurt or injured neither the Wolong Center nor Panda International is responsible. You might want to consider travel insurance.

Several travel agencies which have arrangements with the officials at Wolong can provide these trips. Pandas International does not provide travel services and is not affiliated with any travel agencies. These companies are listed as a service to those wishing to volunteer with the pandas. Itineraries and what is included does vary so please contact the travel agencies directly.

Remember donations made to Wolong directly are not tax deductible according to the Internal Revenue Service. So if you wish to adopt a panda pick your panda while at Wolong then adopt your panda through Pandas International when you return to the US.

All of the money is still sent to Wolong, but 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.

Posh Journeys has been offering volunteer panda tours since 2002 in conjunction with their Chinese partner Joe Zhou with whom the pioneered the first volunteer programs. The panda volunteer tours focus on working with the pandas and participants are expected to work, not just walk around. All tours are escorted by senior guides with excellent knowledge of English, as well as in depth knowledge of the areas the groups visits. Participation is limited to 15 on each tour and are guaranteed to volunteer and splay with the young pandas. In 2008, because of the Summer Olympics in Beijing,  there are only 4 tours offered plus one upscale tour May 19 to June 1,which includes Beijing and Xian.  The volunteer tours depart the US on April 3, May 3, May 9 and Oct. 9. A special departure in late May combines a trek from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp with 3 days of panda volunteer work.

For details go to: http://www.poshjourneys.com\panda_bear_tours.htm or call Helga at Posh Journeys at 775-852-5105 or email at contact@poshjourneyscom.

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 Bifengzia 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

Discover China. In this day and age we believe it is important that every one gets the chance to go out and explore our beautiful world. In doing so we deepen our understanding of different races, break down prejudice and learn to appreciate other cultures. Discover China offers you a wide variety of trips to give a better understanding of life in the local areas throughout China. We will show you the most interesting places that this fascinating country has to offer. By keeping our groups small we provide a combination of flexibility, intimacy, and authentic cultural experience. This allows you to slow down and appreciate the very essence of traveling in China. We provide inclusive trips or if you prefer only transport and hotel arrangements. Our elite teams of local resident guides are well trained and versed in Chinese culture, history and art, and are completely committed to reveal the genuine China to you. Discover China is based in Amsterdam.

Panda Travel and Tour Consultant based in Chengdu Sichuan China offer travel information and consultant & tour service over China, special for the information and consulting of trace & trekking for giant panda in the wild, closely enjoy the lovely giant panda, cooperation with local government and natural reserves in any project & program of panda conservation, donation and adoption giant panda, as well as the education program in panda conservation and study travel, also arrange bird watch tour. And the tour supported by several  other major tour operator in China such as members of CITS (China International Travel Service), OTC (Overseas Tourist Corp.), XHTS, CYTS, CTS, YOTC etc and the local natural reserves, researching & breeding center or house .” Please see http://www.chinagiantpanda.com/

Country Holidays, based in Singapore, specializes in cultural and nature tours to Indochina, China, Mongolia, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South America, Middle East and Anarctic. Please see www.countryholidays.com.sg