Although I was always unsure about the legitimacy of the Panda Volunteer Program, particularly due to concerns about its environmental impact, my family—especially my panda-obsessed child—finally convinced me to give it a try. After much deliberation, we decided to join the program at Dujiangyan Panda Sanctuary (中华大熊猫苑). In this guide, I’ll share our experience, the tasks involved, and my thoughts on whether it’s truly a meaningful volunteer opportunity.
What Does the Volunteer Program Entail?
We participated in the Dujiangyan Panda Sanctuary’s volunteer program, which started at 8:30 AM with a meeting at the main entrance (we left Chengdu at 7:00 AM). Upon arrival, we were given uniforms and identification badges before being taken to the panda enclosures.
The work is divided into two main areas: the interior and exterior of the panda enclosures. Volunteers in the interior clean up after the pandas, which includes scooping up panda waste and scrubbing the floors. On the exterior, volunteers help with tasks like picking up fallen bamboo leaves and branches. We also participated in bamboo chopping, breaking the bamboo into manageable pieces to make it easier for the older pandas to eat.
Throughout the day, there are also opportunities to observe the keepers as they feed the pandas and explain their routines. This experience offers a chance for close observation, though participants are not allowed to touch the pandas. After lunch, which was average in taste, we watched a documentary about panda breeding, followed by a hands-on activity where we made “wowo tou” (panda food cakes) and chopped bamboo leaves.
The program concluded around 2:00 to 2:30 PM, and participants were awarded a volunteer certificate. Afterward, volunteers can choose to continue exploring the sanctuary on their own.
Can You Actually Interact with the Pandas?
While it’s tempting to hope that you’ll be able to directly touch or feed the pandas, that’s not allowed. The closest you can get is standing beside the panda enclosures as the zookeepers feed the pandas. During this brief session, you’ll be within a meter of the pandas, which is a rare and exciting opportunity. However, it’s important to remain quiet during this process and refrain from taking photos.
For the most part, the pandas you see are the same ones visitors see during regular tours. The volunteer program offers no extra panda privileges beyond the behind-the-scenes opportunities with the keepers.
How Do Kids Feel About the Experience?
Our family has a strong interest in animal care, so my child was thrilled throughout the process. The hands-on tasks, especially feeding the pandas and making wowo tou, were engaging. However, some younger children may find certain tasks, like cleaning up or chopping bamboo, difficult or tiring, especially on hot days. The feeding session with the pandas was by far the highlight for most kids, and my child even wondered if the panda we saw eating was enjoying the wowo tou she made!
The educational content provided during the program is quite basic, but it’s still a great learning experience for younger participants. For anyone hoping for a more in-depth educational experience or a professional internship, this may not be the right program. However, for those seeking a memorable, hands-on interaction with pandas, it offers something unique compared to just visiting a zoo.
Additional Tips and Considerations
While the Panda Volunteer Program is generally well-received, there are some points to keep in mind. Animal welfare advocates have raised concerns about the program, especially regarding the stress it might cause the pandas. From our experience, the activities seemed to be low-impact and didn’t disrupt the pandas’ normal routines. The food handled by volunteers is only used for demonstration and isn’t directly fed to the animals, which should help alleviate any concerns about overhandling the pandas.
In 2023, the minimum age for participation was raised from 6 to 8 years old, making the program more manageable and safer, especially for younger children.
Booking and Pricing
It’s most cost-effective to book directly through the official website, though spots are often limited and hard to secure. Prices vary if you book through third-party platforms, with additional charges for transportation, photography services, and tour guides. If your child is independent enough, you can also choose to only buy the entrance ticket and not participate in the volunteer tasks, but you’ll still be able to join the tour and observe the activities from outside the enclosures.