HONG KONG (AP) - Hong Kong is once again swept up in a panda craze as residents are invited to participate in a competition to name the territory's first locally-born giant panda cubs, who recently reached the milestone of six months old. The naming contest for the twin cubs, born on August 15, 2024, commenced on Saturday, following a celebratory ceremony held at Ocean Park. This event was attended by key officials, including Hong Kong's leader, John Lee. Ocean Park serves as the home for the twins, along with their parents and two other giant pandas that arrived from mainland China in the previous year.
John Lee emphasized that Hong Kong now boasts the largest population of pandas in captivity outside of mainland China. The names for the twin cubs, currently referred to as the "Elder Sister" and the "Little Brother," are slated to be revealed during the first half of this year. Following their naming ceremony, the panda twins will make their public debut at Ocean Park, where they will be available for visitor interaction for five hours each day. Additionally, visitors can opt for an exclusive experience to spend time with the cubs before the official park hours for a fee of 1,500 Hong Kong dollars, which is approximately $190.
During a media preview session, the male cub was seen enjoying playful activities on a swing and a slide, while the female cub explored her surroundings and climbed a tree. Panda carers noted that the female cub exhibits a higher activity level compared to her brother, who prefers to wander and play with the vegetation. To differentiate between the two, the male cub has been marked with two purple food-coloring spots on his back. This significant occasion marks Ying Ying, their mother, as the world's oldest first-time panda mom.
The adorable panda twins have gained immense popularity on social media, generating hopes for a boost in tourism for the city. Hong Kong officials have encouraged local businesses to leverage this "panda craze," which some lawmakers have labeled the "panda economy." Ocean Park's chairman, Paulo Pong, announced that the park experienced an increase in income during the Christmas season and the Lunar New Year holiday, thanks to the arrival of the pandas from mainland China, as well as renewed interest from overseas tourists.
Pong stated that the presence of pandas has propelled the park's financial recovery, highlighting the belief that these beloved creatures will significantly contribute to the park's income. However, caring for pandas in captivity involves substantial expenses; Ocean Park reported a financial deficit of 71.6 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $9.2 million) in the last financial year and had previously sought government relief funds in 2020 to sustain its operations. Observers are keenly watching whether the responsibility of caring for six pandas will augment the financial burden or provide an opportunity for the park's revival.
Pong further emphasized that the purpose of raising pandas goes beyond mere profit, focusing instead on animal conservation and education. Pandas hold significance as China's unofficial national mascot, with the country's giant panda loan program to overseas zoos regarded as a form of soft-power diplomacy by Beijing.
