Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has learned about the care of giant pandas during his Monday visit to a conservation base in Southwest China’s Sichuan province, as he facilitates Hong Kong’s plans to welcome a new pair of giant pandas from the region.
Lee further discussed with Sichuan authorities the pandas’ anticipated arrival in Hong Kong, with the objective of ensuring the national treasures reach the city before National Day on Oct 1.
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Lee left for Sichuan on Sunday accompanied by his wife, Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim; Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government officials; and representatives of Ocean Park Hong Kong, where the city’s giant pandas reside.
In the morning, the delegation visited the Dujiangyan base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda — one of the nation’s major conservation centers of the creature — where they met several resident pandas.
The delegation learned about the care and feeding of these vulnerable animals, as well as the nation’s latest developments in panda conservation and research. The couple also made panda feed.
The chief executive reiterated that the HKSAR government will strive to bring the pandas to Hong Kong as soon as possible, and expressed gratitude for the local authorities’ extensive efforts.
When asked about whether he has selected suitable pandas for Hong Kong, he said the choice was difficult. “Some are robust, and some are graceful. When they eat, they all seem to enjoy it very much,” Lee said.
Lee said he believes the pandas’ arrival in Hong Kong will bring the same excitement and joy to the public. The central government’s previous gifts of pandas to Hong Kong — Lele, Yingying, and the late Jiajia and Anan — have been hugely popular, and visited by millions of local residents and tourists since their arrival.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Sichuan Olympic School in Dujiangyan, which was funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.
A clerk surnamed Li living in Mianyang, Sichuan province, told China Daily she was glad to learn that the Hong Kong chief executive had personally come to Sichuan to arrange the panda transfer, adding that it demonstrated Hong Kong’s appreciation of the pandas.
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As a resident of Sichuan, which has most of China’s giant pandas, Li expressed her honor and delight in witnessing the immense love people have for the creatures.
She emphasized that the giant panda has evolved beyond being just an adorable animal into a symbol of peace and a source of blessings for a joyful life.
She expressed her hope that Hong Kong residents will perceive the genuine sincerity of the people of Sichuan when they get the opportunity to see the new pair of pandas.
Regarding the naming of the pandas, she suggested the name Boluo Bao (Pineapple Bun), saying it would be cute and fitting. Pineapple buns are one of Hong Kong’s most iconic pastries, which shares the round and chubby characteristics with the pandas, Li said.
