Panda anniversary highlights Ocean Park's Conservation standards

Ocean Park's celebrations of the sixth birthday of its pandas Ying Ying and Le Le, and the upcoming birthday of Jia Jia who, at 33-years, will be the world's second oldest panda under human care, are testament to the world-class quality of Ocean Park's animal care.

Through close collaboration with experts from around the world, Ocean Park has achieved practical skills and professional knowledge in panda care on par with facilities in mainland China.

Ocean Park Chaiman Dr. Allan Zeman highlighted how the attraction has been able to provide care for giant pandas in different stages of development, stating "under our attentive care, the four giant pandas have been conveying conservation messages, as well as advocating environmental awareness and the protection of endangered species over the years.

"Giant pandas An An and Jia Jia have been playing the role of animal ambassador for 12 years while Ying Ying and Le Le have been growing up healthily during the past four years, bringing enormous joy for Park guests.

"I am very proud of Ocean Park's animal husbandry team for having provided a suitable living environment for the giant pandas during different stages in their life. This is a testament to the fact that our facilities and animal care have achieved world-class standards."

Giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le have been growing up in Ocean Park since the age of two. As they begin to display more signs of sexual maturity, there will be more opportunities for guests to learn about their conditions. Entering adulthood, Ying Ying and Le Le have both undergone obvious physical changes.

As Ocean Park's conservation ambassadors, the giant pandas have been conveying important conservation messages to the public. Since the arrival of An An and Jia Jia eleven years ago, the Park's panda-related educational programs have remained the most popular among guests and students. Of the over 54,000 students that benefited from courses offered by Ocean Park Academy, Hong Kong (OPAHK), about 25% attended one of the five giant panda related courses that we offer for levels ranging from kindergarten to secondary school.

Through making recycled paper out of giant panda wastes or learning about the rebuilding of a bamboo corridor, students have come to realize that "endangered species like giant pandas and red pandas could eventually go extinct if we did not engage in conservation" and that "protecting the environment starts with us".

Ocean Park also offers a number of panda-related guests programs, including a behind-the-scene tour and an Honorary Panda Keeper program whereby guests can learn how to take care of these lovable animals.

Through Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong, (OPCFHK), Ocean Park has enabled guests to indirectly contribute to panda conservation. While the Park donates HK$1 from each paid admission to OPCFHK, guests can specifically direct that donation to benefit panda conservation through a new "voting system" installed inside the Grand Aquarium.

Furthermore, the Park not only contributes a portion of proceeds from all panda-related souvenirs to the Foundation, it also established the Giant Panda Base Rebuilding Fund on the day immediately following the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake.

Dr. Zeman added, "the four endearing giant pandas and our extensive guest programs and courses have significantly strengthened the community's connection to this iconic species as well as the passion among many panda-loving families for the conservation of pandas and their habitat. I encourage everyone to visit Ocean Park during this month to share in their favourite pandas' birthday joy."

Images show the giant panda Ying Ying.

23rd July 2010 - CHINA LAUNCHES GLOBAL SEARCH FOR PANDA KEEPERS