HK celebrates first birthday of panda twins, Jia Jia and De De

+1

Hong Kong Ocean Park hosted a grand birthday celebration on Friday for the city’s beloved giant panda twins, Jia Jia and De De, who turned one year old. 

The event also welcomed babies born in Hong Kong on the same date last year, with over 300 panda enthusiasts joining the festivities.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui expressed her delight at witnessing the twins’ remarkable growth over the past year. 

Born weighing just over 100 grams each, the siblings have now grown to a healthy 30 kilograms—comparable to an average first-grader’s weight.

A year of "whirlwind growth"

Law noted that the public has been captivated by the pandas’ playful antics, from tumbling around their habitat to stubbornly refusing their caretakers’ attempts to coax them indoors. 

Their mother, Ying Ying, made history last year by giving birth at 19 years old, becoming the oldest first-time panda mother on record. 

Despite her inexperience, Ying Ying displayed exceptional care and patience, documented through Ocean Park’s live streams and videos.

Tomorrow marks Ying Ying’s 20th birthday, and officials believe the twins’ thriving health is the greatest gift she could receive.

Conservation success and public engagement

The successful breeding and care of the pandas highlight the collaboration between the Bifengxia Panda Base and Ocean Park’s veterinary team. 

Their birth not only strengthens Hong Kong’s role in global panda conservation but also raises public awareness of wildlife protection efforts.

To celebrate the milestone, the Hong Kong government, in partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Ocean Park, launched a series of promotional activities in July under the theme "Gathering Friends Worldwide to Celebrate in Hong Kong." 

Panda-themed street signs, MTR station decorations, and a photo spot at Peak Road Garden have already been unveiled, while a panda-themed Star Ferry began operating in Victoria Harbour.

Future plans: new habitats and documentary

Ocean Park Chairman Paulo Pong Kin-Yee announced that the twins’ growth journey will be featured in a documentary set for release next year. 

Additionally, two new habitats near the park’s "Giant Panda Adventure" exhibit are being prepared for Jia Jia and De De to move into when they reach 2-3 years old.