Volunteer Tasks
There are many tasks that are routinely performed by volunteers at the Panda Center. After 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/cracking bamboo
- Sometimes you might be able to help collect behavioral data
Guidelines for Volunteers
The following should be kept in mind as you enjoy the unique experience of spending some “up close and personal time” with the pandas and their caretakers:
- As your volunteer time will include a lot of manual labor in close proximity to the Pandas, be sure to wear appropriate footwear for both comfort and protection. We recommend closed-toed hard leather shoes.
- No matter how “adorable” they look, Giant Pandas are not pets or toys and should not be treated as such. They have sharp teeth, strong jaws and powerful claws so even a playful interaction can cause harm.
- Volunteers need to be prepared for relatively hard work as they assist the caretakers in their daily chores.
- Since pandas spend about 14 hours a day eating and don’t efficiently digest their food, expect a lot of “shoveling” as part of your volunteering.
- You’ll also be called on to help carry bamboo to the pandas, and to sweep up the old bamboo.
- Expect to spend some time chopping up various foods for the pandas. If you are helping to feed them, remember pandas have strong jaws so be sure to remove your hand from what you’re feeding them before they take a bite!
- Remember that new, young Chinese caretakers will have a cultural prohibition against telling a foreign tourist to stop something they shouldn’t be doing.
- Do NOT tip the keepers or anyone else at the Panda Base. No government employees can accept cash and if they do they can lose their jobs. You are more than welcome to invite them to lunch, give t-shirts, chocolate, or coffee.
- Keeping these things in mind will help assure a problem free, unforgettable experience.
- “Playing with Pandas or holding a Panda” is prohibited. While you might have seen photos on the internet of tourists playing with pandas this practice is no longer allowed due to diseases, illnesses and infections that the pandas could acquire from humans.
You will also have plenty of time to watch and photograph the Pandas each day you volunteer.
Photography Guidelines
Photos may be taken in open/public areas and can be posted on the internet or social media.
Photos taken in non-public areas, can NOT be posted on the internet or social media. If photos are taken in non-public areas, permission must be given by the keeper or person in charge in order to take any photos.
Photos taken during volunteer activities of feeding or touching the pandas can NOT be posted on the internet or social media.
If you pay to have a photo taken with a panda or receive this privilege as part of an adoption- these photos can NOT be posted on the internet or social media.
We request that your photos be used for your own personal memories and not for social media promotion.
Travel Agencies
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.
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 Panda Centers and you will receive a legal tax deduction.
- Kim’s World Travel specializes in travel to the Orient. Kim can provide both individualized trips with volunteer work or fully escorted trips including all the panda centers 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 as well as an annual donation. You can contact Kim by email at kim@kimsworldtravel.com or call Kim’s World Travel: 303-388-3813.
- Access China Tours (ACT) is a leading tour company specialized in arranging high quality tours and trips to China and its neighboring regions.View information at http://accesschinatours.com or contact them at info@accesschinatours.com.
- West China Adventures, based in Chengdu, specializes in Panda Tours, natural history and Tibet Discovery. All tours are led by excellent staff of WCA and are known for the outstanding, unique itineraries, and special contacts with local scientists, conservationists, and other key personalities. Peter Wood, president of West China Adventures, has been working as a tour operator and English-speaking guide over 20 years. He’s done lots of careful research for his tourism with excellent friendships and partnerships all over China. Mr. Wood has excellent contacts and relations with the Panda Center in Chengdu, Gengda Panda Base, the Bifengxia Panda Center and the primary center for the giant pandas at the Wolong Nature Reserve. Peter can customize any type of trip you would like. Also, Peter Wood is always glad and honored to escort his clients’ tour as requested. www.westchinaadventures.com Email:info@westchinaadventures.com
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.
Note: Credit cards may not be accepted in all parts of China. Wire transfers are sometimes necessary for payment.
