Volunteer in China - Turtle Project
This amazing project based in Huidong city, Guangdong province, China, brings together volunteers from all over the world who want to help protect its local sea turtles. You'll help maintain their environment, raise hatchlings and release turtles back into their natural habitat. The staff will teach you about helping these endangered creatures re-populate the wild.
You will get hands on experience with 6 different species of one of the most ancient and amazing creatures alive.
The core aims & objectives of this project is for you to get a hands-on approach to help and raise China’s sea-turtles and to educate and promote the importance of turtle conservation to members of the public.
This is a volunteer program that makes a real difference and is for those who have a passionate interest in hands on experience & learning about sea turtles.
Through this program you will be able to take part in most aspects of sea turtle husbandry such as feeding, cleaning nets, and occasionally, you may also be asked to assist in scientific research and help improve the state of their beach with some rubbish collection. You will also get the opportunity to work on some educational programs to build awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation.
Volunteering in Huidong is not only a great chance to learn about sea turtles and play a vital role in the reserve, but an opportunity to experience Chinese culture and interact with Chinese people at a grass-roots level.
Everyday, you will be working with local people, discussing the sea turtle's plight and also trying to understand the local's point of view. You will have the opportunity to develop important understanding and friendships with people who have many years of experience with sea turtles and on occasion, some local university students who love to visit the turtles.
Location
The sea turtle reserve is located in a beautiful town next to the sea, it has the one and only natural sea turtle breeding place in China. It also happens to be the biggest marginal sea in China.
So if you not only love animals but would like to relax with some sunshine and beaches, this is the place for you!
Accommodation
Your accommodation will be in a hostel. Rooms are equipped with both fans and AC, allowing you to adjust to the weather of that day.
Extra Facilities:
- Wi-Fi is available during working hours.
- Washing machine available for 20RMB per load.
- Double beds available for couples
The hostel is located near the Turtle Reserve. Shenzhen International Airport is about a one and a half hour drive away.
Shops are open from 10am to 10pm in Huidong city every day.
Meals
Your meals will typically be Chinese dishes common of the local area, comprising mainly rice, noodles and vegetables with some meat. Drinking water, coffee and Chinese tea provided
*no meals provided on arrival day, only 2 meals on weekends
There's nothing like real Chinese food in China!
Schedule
MondayMorning: Take a bus from Shengzhen to Huidong turtle reserve. Here you’ll receive an introduction about the work assignment.
Afternoon: Visit the turtle museum, observe different species and their living habit.
Evening: Ice-breaker and team activities.
Tuesday
Morning: Visit the turtle base and let local workers show you around. You'll begin preparing food for the turtles and assist in their feeding.
Afternoon: Take part in the cleaning of the Turtle pool.
Evening: Sharing time - first day with Turtles.
Wednesday
Morning: We will enjoy the sunrise in Shilong Bay. We will do Shilong Bay cleaning on the way.
Afternoon: Walk to Qian'ao beach and Visit Guangkou local market . Prepare BQQ ingredients.
Evening: BBQ Night!
Thursday
Morning: A visit to the Double-moon bay platform.
Afternoon: Working with Sea Turtle keeper to do some cleaning or feeding etc.
Evening: Sharing time - Turtles and Us , Movie Night.
Friday
Morning: Preparing food for the turtles and feeding.
Afternoon: Cleaning the Turtle pool.
Evening: Final meeting, Transfer to Shenzhen
Saturday
Morning: Departure from Shenzhen to be made by 11am.
Support
There is a full time (5 days a week) Chinese coordinator with good English ‘on site’ during your stay here. Their time is ‘split’ between Shenzhen (for new arrivals) and the Turtle Reserve. They are there to provide help and support to you and to deal with any problems that arise. Do remember however that their time is split, and they do need a day off in lieu of Sunday working, so they will not always be on ‘your’ site. So make use of them when they are with you. We do recognise that emergencies will not always fit in with their schedule so they are available for real emergencies 24/7 on their mobile.
**Please note; This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.**
