John Lee strives for National Day arrival of the new pair of giant pandas

The pair of giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong are aged five to eight, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Tuesday, saying he will strive for the pair to arrive in the city on October 1 to celebrate National Day.

The city leader, now in Sichuan with his wife, tourism minister Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, and representatives from Ocean Park, said the male panda weighs about 120 kg while the female about 100 kg. 

The male giant panda has swift feet and is very energetic while the female is soft, cute, and gentle, Lee added. 

The pair are now getting ready at the research base in Dujiangyan, Chengdu and will later undergo a 30-day quarantine. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, the pair will further undergo another 30-day quarantine to adapt to the environment before meeting with the public. 

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will maintain close communications with relevant mainland authorities to ensure a smooth quarantine process for the giant pandas. 

Ocean Park will also sign a cooperation agreement with the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda to finalize the details, Lee noted. 

When asked if Ocean Park needs to set up a gallery to house the giant pandas, Lee pointed to past experiences that each giant panda should have its own gallery. He also said the government will reflect to Ocean Park the advice of mainland breeding experts.