The central government has selected two young and robust giant pandas for Hong Kong, with the hope that they will bear offspring in the city and create more wonderful memories for the public, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said as he wrapped up his three-day visit to Sichuan on Tuesday.
Lee told reporters that the male panda weighs around 120 kilograms and possesses a lively and intelligent nature. The female panda weighs around 100 kg and has a gentle, docile temperament. The pandas selected are between 5 and 8 years old.
He said that the government is committed to ensuring the pandas arrive in Hong Kong before National Day on Oct 1, and that he hopes the pandas will quickly settle into their new life in Hong Kong and will reproduce, which would be of symbolic significance for the city and would bring great joy.
READ MORE: HK to welcome new giant pandas as gift
The pair of pandas are currently undergoing training at Dujiangyan base at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda to prepare them for their new life in Hong Kong. They will be quarantined for 30 days before departure.
After they arrive in Hong Kong, they will undergo another 30 days of quarantine to ensure they are healthy and remain safe. Once they have adapted to their new home at Ocean Park, they will be able to meet Hong Kong residents.
Lee said the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong government will maintain close communication with the authorities on the Chinese mainland to ensure a smooth quarantine process for the pandas.
Ocean Park will also sign a cooperation agreement with the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda to finalize the details concerning the arrival and care of these animals. Further updates will be announced later, Lee added.
READ MORE: Lee off to Sichuan to discuss delivery of pandas
At the same briefing, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said that Ocean Park is making extensive preparations for the pandas' arrival, and is modifying the panda enclosure and adding more plants and climbing structures. The park is also considering installing additional photography equipment to allow visitors to observe the pandas' activities in real-time.
The panda care team has already started selecting suitable bamboo species for the new pandas. Professionals are also ready to support the pandas' quarantine period when they arrive in Hong Kong, Yeung said.
Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
