(27 March 2006, Hong Kong) Starting from 14 April to 7 May, 2006 “Ocean Park Animal Close Encounters” brings you up-close and personal with the new animals on the block. One of the world’s biggest wonders is now featured at Ocean Park – The Wildlife Kingdom. Beware of where you step and feel the atmosphere heighten as reptiles, insects, butterflies and fishes from around the world pop up anywhere, anytime.
Interact with these rare and exotic animals at our “Rainforest Exploration”. Are you adventurous enough to follow the woodland trails? Illuminated by forest lights, landscape and sounds; get lost in the realistic ambience of a rainforest, where reptiles, insects and more just can’t wait to greet you! Not just featuring the exotic but native animals that you don’t see everyday; Ocean Park is cooperating with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, HKSAR, to display several rare species of fishes, reptiles and amphibians in Hong Kong at the Goldfish Pagoda from 1 May – 30 June. Included are the extraordinary Romer’s Tree Frog - the only frog to naturally occur from Hong Kong, HK Paradise Fish, Rose Bitterling, which has an interesting breeding behavior, and the odd-looking Big-headed Turtle from the HK New Territories.
For those who want to spend some time with the ones you love and the animals you love, “Date & Dine with the Wonder Kind” will make their dream come true. Three spectacular hotspots: Poolside Breakfast at Ocean Theatre – For those who cannot get enough of Whiskers and his friendly dolphin friends. Sea Jelly Exploration with a Meal at the Bayview Restaurant – Get the privilege to dine at Ocean Park’s brand new restaurant and become a VIP as you are brought behind the scene for a Sea Jelly tour! Deep Sea Dining at Atoll Reef – Back by popular demand, a 5 star dining experience inside our world-class Aquarium.
Education that is actually enjoyable! Ocean Park’s “ACE Quest & Conquest” is fun for the whole family. Answer 8 animal quizzes and have a chance to win round trip economy class air tickets from Hong Kong to San Diego, USA for 4 persons via United Airlines as well as complimentary admission tickets to SeaWorld and the world famous San Diego Zoo! Other prizes include Ocean Park SmartFun Annual Pass, Ocean Park admission tickets, and many other prizes worth nearly HK$100,000 in total.
Be in awe by South East Asia's first stand alone sea jelly aquarium! The “Sea Jelly Spectacular” will be open in time for Animal Month in April at Ocean Park. Join this “undersea” voyage to the home of over 400 sea jellies of a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours, inside the beauty of the 8 mystical display zones.
For the next generation to make a difference in the conservation cause, Ocean Park encourages every young child to be a “Little Animal Ambassador”. Be rewarded with an honorary certificate that transform them into a “Little Animal Ambassador” by answering 10 animal questions. Children can join the entertaining Animal Academy, which combines teaching with fun activities and regular story telling sessions. The whole family can learn more about these animals as Education ambassadors will be on-site every day to tell you all about the animals’ lifestyle and behaviors.
Be a part of our conservation campaign, “Be an ‘ACE’ Animal Keeper” and have a chance to take care of dolphins, sea lions and giant pandas. Trainers will take you behind the scenes to learn how the animals live, what they eat, and even get hands-on experience on feeding and caring for them. “Ocean Park has always provided visitors the opportunity to learn more about animals from around the world. Ocean Park Animals Close Encounters is an ideal opportunity where visitors can now interact with and explore the lives of animals and their habitats. Not only are we now offering Hong Kong an unprecedented tropical rain forest experience but Asia’s first and largest sea jelly aquarium – Sea Jelly Spectacular. An experience you surely cannot miss.” said Mr. Tom Mehrmann, Chief Executive of Ocean Park.
Ocean Park Animal Close Encounters is open from 14 April to 7 May 2006. Monday to Sunday 10am – 6 pm applies to the following dates: 20-21 April and 24-28 April. Opening times extended to 9.30am – 7pm on the following dates: 14-19 April, 23 April, 30 April, and 1-7 May. Opening times 10am – 7pm applies to the following dates: 22 and 29 April. Attractions include: Rainforest Exploration, Sea Jelly Spectacular, ‘ACE’ Animal Keeper, Poolside Breakfast at Ocean Theatre, Sea Jelly Exploration with Meal at The Bayview Restaurant, Deep Sea Dining at Atoll Reef, ACE Quest & Conquest and Animal Academy. Admissions are HK$185 for adults and HK$93 for children (3-11 years of age). (For those who have a Birthday during the “Animal Close Encounter” time, will receive 1 complementary admission ticket).
Programs such as: ACE’ Animal Keeper, Poolside Breakfast at Ocean Theatre, Sea Jelly Exploration with Meal at The Bayview Restaurant and Deep Sea Dining at Atoll Reef, an additional admission fee is required. Part of the programs’ revenue goes to Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong to support its wildlife conservation projects.
