Panda Conservation
Trip code: CHN3

The majestic Giant Panda is a well-known symbol of modern China. Yet due to habitat loss, industrialization, a low birthrate, a history of poaching and other factors the Giant Panda is endangered and faces possible extinction. It is estimated that the current population of Giant Pandas in the wild is around 1,000. The majority of these live in the Chinese provinces of Shaanxi and Sichuan. Rustic volunteers work at a wildlife conservation center in the Shaanxi province outside of Xi'an where 15 Giant Pandas are being monitored and studied along with other wildlife and endangered species. Volunteers can work at this conservation center and be in direct contact with these noble animals. Volunteers are needed to bathe and feed the animals, clean enclosures and perform general maintenance. Volunteers also have an opportunity to interact with other endangered species such as Golden Monkeys and the Crested Ibis.

PROJECT DETAILS FACT FILE FEES/DATES MAJOR FAQ BOOK NOW

Fact File China Arrival Point: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport Airport Pick-up: Upon the receipt of your flight information, our in-country coordinator or other project staff will greet the volunteers in the airport and take you to your project site. The address and telephone number of the local contact hotel will be given before departure just in case volunteers miss our representative in the airport. Please make sure to e-mail your flight information to both the USA office and the local in-country coordinator's office. Departure Point: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport Airport Drop: Rarely, a few do request an escort back to the airport; this is an extra expense of about $75- $175 depending up on your teaching location. Most are very familiar and comfortable with their stay and have great ease taking their own taxi or bus back to the airport. Internal Transportation: Rustic Volunteer Travel manages one-way transportation to project. Volunteers will be responsible for their own personal and return travel. We do not cover daily transportation from host family/hotel to the project. Volunteers will be responsible for their personal and return travel. Our program is designed to save you the volunteer as much as possible. Start Dates: 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month excepting Chinese holidays (May 1 - 7; Oct. 1 - 7; New Year’s Day; and the Chinese Lunar New Year – a five-day holiday falling between the end of January and the middle of February). Start dates can be flexible if these dates do not fit your schedule. Arrival Before Start Date: Rustic Volunteers/Travelers coming to China are advised to arrive one day before their program start date. If you arrive more than one day early or stay after the program, you will be responsible for your room and food expenses. Working Hours: 20- 40 hours per week