(April 10, 2006, Hong Kong) Ocean Park chairman, Allan Zeman, continues to take the fully home grown marine theme park’s position to new heights with the unveiling today of South East Asia’s first stand alone sea jelly exhibit, the “Sea Jelly Spectacular”, at Ocean Park Hong Kong. Featuring over 1,000 sea jellies, the 4,500 sq ft aquarium is situated near the cable car station at the Headland. Mr. Zeman also launched two new restaurants, The Bayview Restaurant, and The Terrace Caf? which are located in the same fully-renovated site.
The “Sea Jelly Spectacular” is South East Asia’s first stand alone sea jelly exhibit, featuring more than 1,000 sea jellies of over 10 distinct species sourced globally. “Our Ocean Park team created, designed, and developed this facility in-house, after having visited and being inspired by many major aquariums around the world. We also looked at specific marketable and relevant features. We brainstormed, synthesized the best ideas, and developed this must-see attraction for Ocean Park,” Mr. Zeman said. “And I am so proud of the work our Ocean Park team put together.”
The 3,000 sq ft viewing area is equipped with state-of-the-art theatrical lighting, multi-media sound and visual special effects to capture the sea jellies in their pristine natural beauty. “Words cannot do justice to the amazing emotions that come from actually being there and experiencing this exhibit. Everyone who came during the soft opening was totally swept off their feet,” Mr. Zeman said.
“We also want to convey the message through these amazing life forms that we must respect and preserve nature and do our part to keep our oceans clean,” he added. “All I can say is, come, try it and see for yourself how incredible these animals look in this unique presentation.”
There is also a 1,500 sq ft back-of-house facility, which is also a nursery, housing other species that will be featured on a rotational basis. Ocean Park breeds some of the sea jelly species here. “We used what we learned from overseas research to make this the best sea jelly back-of-house facility in the world,” Mr. Zeman said. To fulfill Ocean Park’s major role to educate through entertainment and interaction, there is also an educational corner, where guests, through special arrangements, can have personal coaching by the Park’s education specialists on the caring of sea jellies.
One floor above the Sea Jelly Spectacular is The Bayview Restaurant, and The Terrace Caf?is on the top deck. “What we want to offer is a totally new and refreshing dining experience. Both restaurants offer breathtaking views of the South China Sea and our neighbouring scenic spots, such as Repulse Bay, visual stimulations you can only find here,” Mr. Zeman said.
"We have formed a team of top local chefs with solid backgrounds in international cuisines, and they have created a number of Ocean Park signature dishes,” Mr. Zeman said.
The Bayview Restaurant is a “buffeteria” style eatery where self-serve diners can select from finely prepared Asian specialties, with soups, salads, appetizers to main courses, and pay for the items selected.
The Terrace Caf? built for alfresco dining, offers a different, relaxed “feel” for all in the family, to be served a menu that is a collection of everyone’s favorites, prepared by Ocean Park’s award-winning chefs.
“As Ocean Park enters its 30th anniversary this year, I am particularly happy about the new restaurants. This is the first time in 20 years Ocean Park is celebrating not one, but two, new restaurant openings,” Mr. Zeman said.
“It is our vision to connect people with nature, and we made a lot of efforts to ensure all our offerings can accomplish this, and at the same time give our guests an entirely refreshing Ocean Park experience,” Mr. Zeman said.
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About Ocean Park
Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s unique home-grown theme park with a heritage of delivering family fun and fond memories. Since its opening in January 1977 as a non-profit organization, Ocean Park has developed itself to be a world-class attraction connecting people with nature, and recognized for its animal husbandry, research and relationship with the community. Over 70 million people have visited Hong Kong's premier park since its inception and Ocean Park has remained committed to offer adults and children experiences that blend entertainment with education and conservation.
