Hong Kong expects mainland to gift another pair of giant pandas before Oct.1
After delegates of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) to this year’s two sessions put forward proposals hoping that the Chinese mainland would once again gift giant pandas to Hong Kong, Vice Chair of the DAB Chan Yung said that there is a chance that “this could happen” before October 1.
Chan, who is also a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC), told the Global Times on Thursday that it’s crucial to ensure the well-being of the giant pandas upon their arrival, saying that they should not be neglected and allowed to become emaciated like those in the US. He believes that all residents in Hong Kong will cherish the pandas as treasures, and that their presence will significantly increase the number of tourists.
Among a series of proposals made by the DAB delegates to the two sessions in mid-February ahead of the annual political event, there is hope for Southwest China’s Sichuan Province to once again gift giant pandas to Hong Kong.
As the first generation of giant pandas living in Hong Kong, An An and Jia Jia, have passed away, leaving only Ying Ying and Le Le, who arrived in 2007, Ocean Park Hong Kong is ready to welcome new giant pandas at any time.
“Gifting pandas to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China would be of profound significance. It could also attract tourists to visit Hong Kong,” Chan said.
He also suggested that the pandas could be named Zhi Zhi and Xing Xing, reflecting a transition that the city has been experiencing from well-governed to prosperity.
“Giant pandas are top-tier ambassadors of goodwill, and Hong Kong is greatly looking forward to their arrival. It also represents a pivotal moment for connecting internationally and sharing China’s story,” Chan said.
When the new pair of giant pandas arrives, they will be well taken care of in the Panda pavilion at Ocean Park, Chan told the Global Times. “We won’t let them become emaciated like those in the US.”
“I believe the mainland has a lot of experience in protecting giant pandas and can enhance exchanges with Hong Kong,” said Nixie Lam Lam, a panda lover in Hong Kong. Especially since Hong Kong is also an international city, strengthening the promotion of panda conservation can make the cause of panda protection more international, Lam told the Global Times on Thursday.