(13 April 2006, Hong Kong) The Bearded Dragon, the Orchid Mantis, the Ball Python, and the Piranha are just some of the animals helping Ocean Park bring people closer to nature as the Park’s Chief Executive, Tom Mehrmann, opens the Rainforest Exploration today. This 600 sq m rainforest, the first and only one found locally, is an integral part of the “Ocean Park Animal Close Encounter” programme, running through the coming holiday period from 14 April to 7 May.
“Our vision has always been to educate our guests about the conservation of nature and wildlife through interaction and entertainment. As such, we have brought in over 60 rare and exotic land and sea animals to Ocean Park, so guests can learn more about the animals that share the same living space with us,” Mr. Mehrmann said. Some of the animals seldom seen in Hong Kong include the Orchid Mantis, the Freshwater Stingray, the Aldabran Tortoise and the New Caledonian Giant Forest Gecko. Hong Kong’s own Romer’s Tree Frog is also making an appearance .
“We also offer a unique opportunity for guests to get closer to some of our animals at our Animals Close Encounter workshop in the Rainforest Exploration, where guests can study the wildlife at closer range. In fact, one of the animals we will be bringing out is the yellow-footed tortoise, which was bred and born here in Ocean Park,” Mr. Mehrmann said.
Other than the Rainforest Exploration, there are also other programmes under "Ocean Park Animal Close Encounters" that offer guests a chance to interact with the animals, such as the Animal Keeper programmes as well as opportunities to dine with some of the animals. “The proceeds from these programmes will go to the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation to support its wildlife conservation projects,” Mr. Mehrmann 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.
