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The regal Giant Panda, a well known symbol of China, faces extinction.

Many factors are assaulting the Giant Panda’s survival: habitat loss, industrialization, a low birth-rate and a history of poaching. It is estimated that there are only 1000 wild Giant Pandas left in the world. The majority of these live in the Chinese provinces of Shaanxi and Sichuan. IVHQ partners with a wildlife and Giant Panda conservation center in the Shaanxi province, approximately two hours outside of Xi'an. Fifteen Giant Pandas call this center home and are being monitored and studied along with other endangered species and wildlife. When you volunteer with the Giant Panda project, you have direct contact with these splendid animals as you work at the conservation center. Volunteers will bathe and feed the animals, clean enclosures and perform general maintenance at the sanctuary. Other endangered species at the center include Golden Monkeys and the Crested Ibis – and volunteers will interact with these rare animals as well. It is important to note that the work with the pandas only takes 2-3 hours daily, and therefore many volunteers also choose to teach English at a local school to ensure they have sufficient work and do not become bored. Teaching classes are arranged with the program coordinator during orientation upon arrival in China. NB The IVHQ Panda Conservation has different program fees to the other China programs due to the high costs associated with running this program. Please refer to the program fees page for more information on this.