China seeks panda bear keepers. Applicants must be under the age of 22, have some basic knowledge of these animals, good writing skills, the ability to take photos, and a lot of patience. It does not seem like a bad job offer, which earns even more whole if you look at the salary of these workers: 200,000 yuan (32,000 dollars) a year.
These are not the only advantageous conditions. In addition, this panda keeper will have the use of a van and will receive free meals and accommodation, according to Xinhua, the official government news agency of the People’s Republic of China.
The China Giant Panda Research and Protection Center in Ya’an, Sichuan province (China) announced in early June that it was looking for a caregiver for its panda bears, a large animal, unmistakable for its black and white fur and its attachment to bamboo.
The organizers warned that it is a sacrificial job. “Your job has only one mission: spend 365 days with the pandas and share their joys and sorrows.” However, the reward is not less. The chosen one will earn 200,000 yuan ($32,000) a year, have the use of a van and receive free meals and accommodation.
This center does ask for some requirements to apply for the position: be at least 22 years old, basic knowledge about pandas, good writing skills, ability to take pictures and a lot of patience to deal with these endearing animals, considered a treasure in China.
“Many people in our center do the same job, but the salary has never been this high,” explains Heng Yi, a publicity officer at the panda center. The reason for the change, that they want “more people to pay attention to the work of protecting giant pandas and participate.”
“Perseverance is needed for this job. We expect applicants to be mainly administrative workers from big cities. They are used to eating whatever they want, but within the giant panda base, the options will not be abundant,” adds another promoter of this initiative, in statements collected by Xinhua.
In addition, the campaign will recruit eight panda observers for a free three-day trip to the Bifengxia base, a giant panda breeding and research facility.
According to this agency, the process would be open until July 15, but the center has not yet informed of the selected people.
