PANDA CONSERVATION 2017

In the last 2 years the work at the Panda base has contributed to the doubling of the panda population ­ which is an amazing achievement. The Panda reserve, which you can tour for free as a participant, has panda raising, reproduction, rare wild animal rescue and education facilities. On a daily basis, typical activities you will be involved in include cleaning the panda's living areas, preparing food and feeding them. You may also be asked to conduct some research into their habits and health, so that we may extend our knowledge and caring activities for this highly endangered species. If you are interested in animal conservation, this represents a real opportunity to learn about something unique to China the Giant Panda. The main part of this programme is to work with Pandas at the Ya'an Panda Base. The Pandas were relocated here from Wolong Panda base, Xinjing which was devastated in an earthquake in China in 2008. It was since this move that the panda population (in care) has more than doubled, not least thanks to the efforts of helpers. The Panda Base is now at last in a position to think about fulfilling the ambition of releasing them back into the wild. Experiments to this end are at an early stage. Your work will involve working with the full time Panda carers. You would be preparing food for the pandas such as apples, panda bread, carrots and of course their favourite bamboo, serving them the food, cleaning their enclosures and ensuring they are secure in their environment. Occasionally, you are asked to participate in research about the pandas and to help in providing medical care. You will love the cute Pandas! Luckily you will also have time to watch and photograph them. We will need you to: - Be committed to your work: if you cannot follow the schedule, consult your panda carer or coordinator. - Obey your panda carer's directions strictly at all times for your own safety. - Do not walk into the deep forest alone, as you may get lost. After you have completed your normal daily duties of cleaning and feeding etc., there is a fair bit of free time. After all, pandas, being wild animals also like their own space! In brief there are several activities and facilities you can do in your free time such as: - Mah­jong - Chinese Chess - Free pass to access all areas of the Panda Reserve - Common Centre ­ this is a general area where most participants will take time to relax, chat or eat ice cream! -Free Chinese language lessons from 4pm­6pm daily. The objective of this program is to continue the amazing work carried out by the Conservation centre with the eventual aim of being in a position to release some pandas into the wild.