Panda Loving 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 by taking part in the panda loving program, which is also called the panda volunteer program, and be a 1-day assistant for taking care of giant pandas. There are some reserves and organizations in China that offer panda caring opportunities. Let's dive into this article and see where to be a giant panda assistant and what to do in the panda loving program.

A panda enjoying its meal

What to Do in the Giant Panda Loving Program

Giant panda in Chengdu Breeding Center

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.

Time	What to Do
9:00 - 9:20	Arrive at the panda base. Change into working clothes and gloves, and get brief training. Take an exclusive car to the working area.
9:20 - 10:00	Under the guidance of the teacher, clean the enclosure of pandas and prepare food for them, including breaking bamboos, washing bamboos and shoots, carrying bamboo, and other related work.
10:00 - 10:30	Watch keepers feeding pandas and observing pandas' behavior.
10:30 - 11:30	Listen to the teacher's professional explanation and learn the living habits of giant pandas.
11:30 - 12:50	Have lunch at the staff canteen.
12:50 - 13:50	Watch a panda documentary.
13:50 - 14:30	Make steamed buns for pandas and learn about bread recipes and recipes for captive and wild pandas.
14:30 - 15:00	Cut bamboo leaves for elderly giant pandas recovering from convalescence.
15:00 - 15:30	Get a panda volunteer certificate at the base.
15:30 - 16:30	Activity ends. Optional free visit to the park.

Where Can I Take Part in Panda Loving Program?

Baby pandas are having fun with each other

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.

Key Differences Among the 3 Panda Bases with Panda Loving Program

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Dujiangyan Panda Paradise (1.5 hours drive from downtown Chengdu)	Convenient location near the city Home to around 30 pandas Offers other educational activities and lectures	Crowded in the morning
Shenshuping Panda Base (2 hours drive from downtown Chengdu)	High altitude Good environment Few people	Far from the city center and has high transportation costs
Bifengxia Panda Reserve (2.5 hours drive from downtown Chengdu)	Few visitors The panda enclosure is located within the wildlife park	Farthest location among all options Highest ticket price compared

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.

Tips for Giant Panda Volunteers

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