The giant pandas are vulnerable species in need of our help because they are losing their natural environment due to human activities, exposing them to harsh environments. Therefore, we owe it to them to protect and feed them. Panda volunteer programs play a vital role in conserving pandas and increasing their knowledge of the participants. In general, we can say that the programs are of great importance to both the pandas and the volunteers. Pandavolunteer.org provides more information on panda volunteer programs and gives more details on these programs.
Importance of panda conservation volunteering programs to the pandas
Protection from prey
Since the human population and activities have displaced pandas from their natural habitat, conservation centers with various volunteer programs help to keep these species safe from prey.
Feeding and Cleaning
One of the activities of volunteers in conservation programs is feeding the pandas and cleaning their pens. The pandas stay in cages that are cleaned often, and they are given foods that they love like the steamed cornbread.
Protects them from going extinct
Pandas tend to give birth to one or two offspring yearly, and as a result of this, they record a low rate of reproduction. Volunteering programs protect these young offspring from the wild, keep them safe from harsh environments, create opportunities for breeding research, and generally save them from going extinct.
Importance of panda conservation volunteering programs to the volunteers
- It gives a sense of fulfillment: Volunteering in panda volunteer programs gives a sense of accomplishment as you are not only protecting the pandas but the entire Chinese community. You not only help these vulnerable species to grow back their population, but you also work to protect the livelihood of people who are dependent on the bamboo forest. Pandas play a vital role in developing these forests.
- Acquire knowledge: In volunteering, you get to learn more about pandas and Chinese culture. Most programs offer free Chinese lessons, and you also learn to do certain things like prepare panda foods, panda eco tea, make panda toys and crafts, and other skills.
- Touring: As a volunteer, you have free periods so you can visit exciting places in your new location. The volunteer program is an excellent medium through which volunteers visit fun places in China, play new games, and make new friends.
- Serves as a career booster: If you want to study specific courses like veterinary medicine or biology, having experience with pandas will give you an upper hand later on in your career. Also, having this on your CV as work experience shows that you value your environment, and it can be an excellent start for you.
Conclusion
As seen above, panda volunteering programs are essential not just for the pandas but also for the volunteers. The benefits are more for volunteers than the pandas. Judging from these benefits, it is evident that conservation volunteering programs are beneficial and impactful wherever they hold.
