Throngs of visitors flocked to the Sichuan Treasures Pavilion at Ocean Park Hong Kong on Sunday to catch a glimpse of two beloved giant panda pair gifted by the Chinese central government to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The pair of giant pandas were officially named "An An" and "Ke Ke" on Saturday afternoon, and the government of the HKSAR revealed that the name "An An" symbolizes stability and peace, while "Ke Ke" embodies the idea that anything is possible.
Male panda An An weighs over 130 kilograms and is energetic and agile. Female panda Ke Ke, who weighs around 100 kilograms, is relatively quiet and likes to keep to herself. Both of them are five years old.
A large number of fans from different places flocked to the zoo to catch a glimpse of the two giant pandas, as they made their much-awaited public debut.
"We are very happy and excited. We knew that An An and Ke Ke just arrived in Hong Kong recently, so we are here today to see them. It's the first time for me to see a giant panda in Hong Kong, and I can feel the care for Hong Kong by our motherland," said a college student in Hong Kong.
"I feel like I can see giant pandas wherever in China, which gives me a warm feeling," said another college student.
Another Hong Kong resident hopes that the giant panda pair will attract tourists from around the globe to the city
"I'm so excited. I hope that they can attract tourists from other parts of the world to Hong Kong. They can come to visit these two giant pandas as they are so cute," he said. Many giant panda fans from other countries traveled to Hong Kong on the day of the pandas' debut. Despite a short viewing time due to the large number of visitors, they were eager to catch a glimpse of the adorable creatures.
Due to the large number of visitors, access to the enclosure is limited to short batches. Visitors can spend a maximum of 10 minutes inside.
"I'm from Singapore. I came here on holiday, taking my youngest niece on her birthday trip. I'm really excited, and I was reluctant to leave the panda, but I guess I have to let others have a chance to take a look as well," said a visitor.
"I've been following the instagram page provided by Ocean Park and it's quite nice to see them on social media, but then it's even more exciting to see them alive,”said another visitor.
A greeting ceremony was held one day before the giant panda pair's debut at the park, with John Lee, chief executive of the HKSAR, attending the event and delivering a speech.
"The giant panda is a successful example of our nation's conservation efforts. With years of the country's hard work, the giant pandas' endangered status has improved in recent years. The government will continue to work with Ocean Park to advance the conservation and promotion of giant pandas. With these pandas, a variety of educational activities will be organised to allow more friends at home and abroad to learn about our nation's and Hong Kong's achievements and capabilities in conservation, reversing the trend of species extinction, and promoting biodiversity," Lee said.
The panda population in Hong Kong reached six after two new adult giant pandas were gifted to the special administrative region to mark the 27th anniversary of its return to the motherland.
The city has been launching a series of panda-themed activities in recent days, and the arrival of An An and Ke Ke is expected to boost the panda economy for Ocean Park and Hong Kong as a whole.
Visitors thrilled for giant panda pair gifted to Hong Kong
