(Hong Kong – 20 March 2007) Ocean Park chairman, Dr Allan Zeman, said that the Park is happy to receive the news that the two young pandas, which will be presented to Hong Kong by Central People’s Government (CPG) as gifts to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Handover, have been selected. “Ocean Park is honoured to be chosen as the caregiver for these pandas. We will go all out and work closely with the HKSAR Government to receive this gift and national treasure. We also thank the State Forestry Administration (SFA) for all their support,” Dr Zeman said.
“We have always had a close relationship with Wolong, and we will continue to have exchanges with them regarding the care for the new pandas,” he continued.
“Renovation works on the existing Grand Panda Habitat (GPH) are proceeding well and will be completed in time to receive the new pandas,” he added.
According to Dr Zeman, the new pandas will temporarily stay in GPH, with separate quarters from An An and Jia Jia, the two pandas currently under Ocean Park’s care. “The new pandas will move to their new habitat within Astounding Asia, which is a new facility under the Park’s Master Redevelopment Project, and that salutes animals of Asian origin. It is slated to open end-2008,” Dr Zeman said.
Currently, the Park is working with the HKSAR government to receive the pandas and to prepare for the celebration of their arrival.
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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 80 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.
