Join our Regional Specialist, Paul, as he guides you through a day in the life of students volunteering at the Dujiangyan Panda Center in China – shedding light on the rewarding, educational, and unforgettable experience that awaits. Whether your students are animal lovers or aspiring conservationists, this journey is sure to leave a lasting impact.
Nestled in Sichuan’s mist-shrouded mountains and dense bamboo forests, students have the chance to support the conservation of one of the world’s most cherished animals – the giant panda. If you are looking for your students to experience travel, adventure, and environmental stewardship, a visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with conservation efforts firsthand.
As an Adventure Leader, guiding students through the Dujiangyan Panda Center is more than just an excursion – it’s an immersive experience in education, conservation, and adventure. The day begins early as students set off for the center, a hub dedicated to the care and preservation of giant pandas. Upon arrival, students will receive a briefing from expert rangers who introduce them to the center’s mission and the pandas’ daily routines.
One of the first tasks students will be asked to help out with is preparing fresh bamboo, the staple diet of the pandas. Through hands-on work, cutting, sorting, and organizing bamboo – students gain a deeper appreciation for the effort required to look after these animals. Rangers share fascinating insights about each panda’s unique personality and eating habits, reinforcing the importance of proper nutrition in their care.
Next comes one of the most crucial, albeit less glamorous, aspects of panda care: cleaning enclosures. This responsibility ensures that pandas have a safe and hygienic living environment, free from hazards or waste that could impact their health. While the work may be physically demanding, it instills a strong sense of responsibility and respect for wildlife conservation.
In the afternoon, students assist rangers in feeding the pandas, one of the most rewarding moments of the day. A particular highlight for all, is making “panda cakes,” specially formulated nutritional treats designed to supplement the pandas’ diet. These cakes provide essential vitamins and minerals and serve as an enrichment activity for the animals. While feeding, students also learn about conservation challenges, including habitat destruction, climate change, and breeding program difficulties. The rangers’ firsthand experiences bring these issues to life, making conservation efforts more tangible and relatable.
As the day draws to a close, students gather to reflect on their experiences. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to not only get up close to pandas but also to play an active role in their protection. As an Adventure Leader, witnessing the students enthusiasm and newfound commitment to conservation is one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey.
The Dujiangyan Panda Center is more than just a place to see pandas – it is a platform for education, a hands-on conservation experience, and a call to action for protecting endangered species. If you ever have the chance to take part in a panda service project, seize the opportunity. It isn’t just an adventure; it’s a meaningful contribution to global wildlife conservation, leaving a lasting impact on both the students and the incredible animals they strive to protect.
If you’d like to learn more about a service school trip, you can explore our wide range of itineraries, or if you would like to customise an itinerary, enquire here.
