Ocean Park Celebrates Giant Pandas’ Birthday Jia Jia Continues to Hold World Record for Oldest Panda Ever Exclusive “Child Goes Free” Offer for Hong Kong Residents

Ocean Park today celebrated the birthday of Jia Jia, An An¹, Ying Ying and Le Le², and presented them with four specially made icy cakes sponsored by Häagen-Dazs™ as birthday gifts. Jia Jia and An An, who set record for the world’s oldest panda ever under human care and the world’s second oldest male giant panda under human care respectively in July 2015, are turning 38 and 30 this year – the equivalent of 114 and 90 in human terms, and the pandas are in remarkably good health for their age. Today is also Le Le’s actual birthday, who is turning 11 years old this year along with Ying Ying. Panda fans will be glad to learn that Ocean Park is introducing an exclusive “Child goes free” ³ offer for local guests. From tomorrow until August 31, Hong Kong residents who hold a valid adult admission ticket or adult SmartFun annual pass can receive a child (aged 3-11) ticket for free upon presentation of their HKID cards at the Park’s Ticketing Office or redemption counter. The free child ticket must be used on the date of redemption, and the free child ticket holder must enter the Park with a HKID card holder aged 15 or above at the same time. Moreover, during August, guests who purchase or renew a SmartFun Annual Pass can enjoy an extended validity period of 14 months and one free admission to an exclusive programme to learn more about the husbandry and conservation of giant pandas, seals or other animal ambassadors during their membership year.
 
Ms. Suzanne Gendron, Executive Director of Zoological Operations and Education said, “Ying Ying and Le Le completed their sixth mating season in April this year. The Park’s veterinarian team and  giant panda experts in China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Wolong (“Wolong”) conducted artificial insemination for Ying Ying twice during the period, and our animal care team has been closely monitoring her condition since then. Currently, Ying Ying has shown a slowed appetite, hormonal changes and other typical early-pregnancy symptoms, but these symptoms may be caused by pseudo- or false pregnancy, common with pandas. Since the gestation period for giant pandas lasts between 72 and 324 days, and it is difficult to confirm their pregnancy through ultrasound scans until two weeks before giving birth, therefore, we will continue to closely monitor Ying Ying for signs of pregnancy. If and when pregnancy is suspected, we will work with Wolong experts and its conservation partners to ensure Ying Ying receives the best prenatal care, and update the public as soon as possible.” Ms. Gendron added, “Given their advanced years, An An and Jia Jia are living with geriatric conditions such as high blood pressure and arthritic pain, yet they are considered in satisfactory health. Our animal care team will continue to offer them exemplary care to ensure they enjoy the highest quality of life in their sunset years.”
 
Mr. Leo Kung, Chairman of Ocean Park, said, “Ocean Park strives to provide the best possible care for our giant pandas, and being home to two pandas who have achieved amazing longevity achievement is a great testament to the longstanding devotion of our professional animal care and veterinary teams. We also thank Wolong experts for providing us guidance and support over the years.”

“Together with Hong Kong people, Ocean Park has witnessed the growth of our beloved pandas, and we want to share this moment of joy with local families by introducing the special summer ‘Child goes free’ offer during our pandas’ birthday month. We invite all panda fans to take advantage of this special summer offer to wish An An, Jia Jia, Ying Ying and Le Le a happy and healthy long life in person!” Mr. Kung added.

Besides providing our giant pandas with world-class husbandry and facilities, Ocean Park continues to support conservation of giant pandas in the wild by donating a portion of the Park’s admission revenue, panda merchandise sales proceeds, revenue from F&B and “Get closer to the animals” programmes on a regular basis to Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK). Since 1999, OPCFHK has allocated HK$29.3 million to support over 90 giant panda scientific research, education and conservation projects as well as post-earthquake rebuilding efforts in Sichuan.

Notes:

1. The exact birthdays of Jia Jia and An An are unknown, as they are rescued from the wild.
2. The birthdays of Ying Ying and Le Le are 16 August and 8 August respectively.
3. The “Child goes free” offer is not applicable for complimentary tickets, welfare tickets, education tour tickets and tour group tickets. For details, please visit Ocean Park website (www.oceanpark.com.hk).