John Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, revealed during a media interview in Chengdu on July 9 that a pair of giant pandas aged between 5 and 8 years old will be arriving in Hong Kong, aiming to have them there by October 1. The male panda weighs over 120 kilograms, is agile, smart, and active, while the female panda weighs around 100 kilograms and is gentle, cute, and docile. “We hope the two giant pandas can thrive in Hong Kong,” Lee said.
Lee stated that the pandas are currently undergoing adaptation preparations at the Dujiangyan base of the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, they will undergo another quarantine period and will meet the public once they have adjusted to their new environment. Currently, Hong Kong is in close communication with the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center to actively promote the pandas’ relocation to Hong Kong. “We hope to make this joyous event as perfect as possible,” Lee added.
Kevin Yeung, the Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Hong Kong, mentioned that professional personnel from Ocean Park Hong Kong will be sent to Sichuan to learn about the pandas’ living habits to better care for them in the future. They also plan to transport bamboo grown in Hong Kong to Sichuan in advance to acclimate the pandas to their diet. The related facilities at Ocean Park are under construction, with plans to add climbing structures based on the pandas’ habits. Health checks and other procedures will be jointly conducted by experts from both Hong Kong and the mainland.
Lee also disclosed that Ocean Park Hong Kong will later sign a cooperation agreement with the China Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center to finalize all details regarding the pandas’ relocation to Hong Kong, implementing the plans after approval. “We look forward to these new family members bringing more warmth and joy to Hong Kong,” Lee concluded.
