Day
2
Chengdu / Ya'an (B, L, D)
Transfer via: private vehicle –on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Bifengxia Panda Base in Ya'an
This morning we will drive to Ya'an and check in your hotel for two nights stay. In the afternoon visit the Bifengxia Panda Base. During the earthquake in 2008, roads to Wolong Natural Reserve were destroyed and some pandas were transferred to Bifengxia Panda Base in Ya'an. Nowadays, the base breeds nearly 30 giant pandas; it's the biggest captive giant panda institution in the world.
The base was established on Dec.28, 2003. It is a paradise of Giant Panda which combines the husbandry, reproduction, scientific research of Giant Panda and rescue of rare wild animals as well as science education together. The Paradise is divided into five major functional areas such as Feeding Areas, Breeding Area, Scientific Research Area, office Area and Living Area of Giant Panda. The beautiful environment, favorable climate and luxuriantly green forest make the place an ideal place for sightseeing and tourism and important base for scientific education.
Day
3
Ya'an (B, L, D)
Today you will spend whole day at the Panda Base to do volunteer job. With the help and instructions of the mentor, you will clean the pandas living areas, or feed the panda. Work is from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:20.
Volunteer With Pandas
Program Description: For people with a strong interest in pandas, probably nothing will be more exciting than working as a volunteer either in CCRCGP (China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda) panda base or in panda habitat.
Volunteering at the panda base will enable one to learn about the daily life captive pandas. Activities include cleaning panda enclosures, food preparation, feeding, and collecting behavioral data. There will be ample opportunities to interact with and photograph pandas of different age classes.
CCRCGP may require following document from a volunteer
a. A health certificate from a hospital.
b. A simple resume, including volunteer or related work experience.
c. Photocopy of your passport.
d. The copy of your last diploma.
e. Your contact information.
Work as a Panda Keeper's Assistant
After a short orientation by a panda keeper, who will act as your teacher, you will assist him or her with various duties such as:
a. Cleaning the bedroom and the garden for the giant panda.
b. Preparing the panda's food (carrot, apples, panda bread and biscuits), and carrying bamboo to the panda enclosures.
c. Helping panda researchers collect behavioral data.
d. Assisting veterinarians with medical care for pandas.