Ocean Park’s exciting new plans: Panda caretaking experiences and expanded facilities

Ocean Park chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee has unveiled ambitious plans to enhance visitor engagement and expand the park's offerings. 

A key highlight is the initiative to allow citizens the unique opportunity to serve as panda caretakers, alongside long-term plans for multiple new exhibition halls.

In a television interview Sunday, Pong said that public visiting hours will be extended from the current 10am to 3pm, starting later this year. 

This change aligns with the growth of the beloved panda twin cubs.

“We are planning to introduce more activities around April or May, such as allowing citizens to prepare traditional Chinese cornbread for the pandas,” he said. 

While direct feeding will not be possible due to recent restrictions on hands-on activities in Sichuan, Pong expressed hopes for closer interactions, potentially allowing visitors to enter the pandas’ enclosure to help place bamboo.

Also, he shared that a documentary about the giant pandas is in production, alongside plans for an animated feature.

Looking ahead, separate exhibition halls for the twin cubs will be constructed for when they reach two to three years of age, as well as a dedicated giant panda museum. 

“Since 1999, we've gathered numerous cherished memories and memorabilia, including films and photos, for everyone to enjoy,” Pong said.

Further renovations are also planned for the park's downhill area to enhance visitor convenience. 

“Some facilities in the lower park area are quite old, and it may be time to relocate them,” he said. 
While larger attractions like The Grand Aquarium will remain, smaller children's facilities may be moved to different locations.

Pong also said the addition of four new giant pandas without a significant increase in care costs, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining existing species rather than introducing new animals.

Regarding future conservation funding, which is set to expire next year, he said the importance of exploring additional revenue sources while indicating that there are currently no plans to raise ticket prices in light of the local economic climate.

(Cheng Wong)