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CHENGDU: China's Sichuan province is holding an online competition to look for six panda ambassadors.
The winners will spend a month learning about these endangered animals, serving as their keepers at the Chengdu Panda Base.
The competition, named "Project Panda", attracted entries from more than 20,000 people from over 40 countries.
"We will hold a final round of selection on September 29 to choose six panda keepers based on four aspects; panda and environmental-protection knowledge, practical exercise, interaction with local culture and publicity competency," Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding curator Wang Ji Shan said.
The six winners will have a chance to study panda behaviour for a one month.
They can also witness the birth of baby pandas and trek in the mountains around Chengdu to study wild pandas.
The winners will also be required to keep a blog of their experiences to help raise awareness of this endangered animals.
Organisers want successful candidates to have strong influence in their community.
One hopeful is Chen Yue, a presenter with Chengdu Television Broadcast.
"The panda is a lovely animal who stimulates our endless imagination," Chengdu TV Station Kids Channel director Chen Yu said.
"Children will pay more attention to them. If I'm selected, I think it will inspire more children.
"If these children know that Uncle Chen Yue has been selected, it will peak their interest to find out more about competition. Attention will be aroused," he said.
Organised by Chengdu Panda Base and the World Wildlife Fund, panda zoo-keepers start work October 1, after which they become "spokesperson" for the giant pandas for a year.
-CNA/wk
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