Ocean Park plans new giant panda museum

Ocean Park chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee has revealed plans for the park to construct a giant panda museum, in a bid to increase public interest in the iconic national treasure.

Speaking to a newspaper interview, Pong said Hong Kong has been home to giant pandas since 1999, the time when An An and Jia Jia arrived in Hong Kong, with many stories to be shared.

He said the museum would exhibit various items, including letters related to caring for panda cubs, and would also feature a lecture hall capable of hosting large international conferences on panda conservation.

The construction of the museum is expected to be carried out in phases, he added.

Meanwhile, the Ocean Park chief said the locally born giant panda twins are set to make their public debut this Sunday.

Pong said the park is still working out crowd management plans, with an aim to accommodate as many visitors as possible. He also advised visitors to consider visiting on weekdays or during non-peak hours.

Separately, Ocean Park plans to introduce paid private sessions and premium tours for guests to visit the giant panda twins before the park officially opens at 10am to increase the park's revenue.