Panda fans laud VIP session to meet panda cubs

Panda fans who joined Ocean Park’s VIP sessions to meet the panda cubs have on Tuesday lauded the experience as “good value for money”, calling on the park to increase the number of sessions.

This came as Hong Kong's youngest celebrities, twin 6-month-old panda cubs, made their first public appearance before adoring fans on Sunday.

Panda lovers wishing to catch a glimpse of Ocean Park's new twin cubs can opt for a VIP session. People could also choose to pay HK$1,500 each for a special, 30-minute visit before the park opens each day.

Speaking to reporters today, some participants said the experience was “well worth the money”.

“The VIP tour itinerary is relaxing, allowing for a leisurely 30-minute photo session with the twins,” they said.

However, they told reporters that most of the VIP sessions next month were already full, calling on the park to increase the number of sessions.

Some, meanwhile, said the HK$1,500 charge for the VIP session, inclusive of park admission, was reasonable, as it allowed them to peacefully visit the giant panda twins without having to queue, followed by the opportunity to enjoy other park attractions.

A group of five American tourists who participated in the VIP session said it was a special experience meeting the panda cubs.

They said they were delighted to see the giant pandas running around, playing, and even engaging in friendly fights, finding them incredibly adorable. 

“Their handlers said [the panda cubs] were more active in the morning, making the VIP tour highly worthwhile,” they said, adding they will definitely revisit.