Giant pandas An An and Ke Ke closely monitored for upcoming mating season

Ocean Park will closely monitor the behavioral changes of giant pandas An An and Ke Ke in preparation for their mating season in spring, as the 5-year-old pair has reached adulthood.

The park said it would monitor whether Ke Ke engages in tail rubbing on the ground, an important behavioral indication that signifies the approach of the mating season. 

They have also offered specialized training for the pair so that caregivers can conduct dental and blood pressure assessments, collect blood samples, and carry out ultrasound examinations without anesthesia.

The zoological operations assistant curator of the Park, Mandy Tang, explained that health checks must be conducted in training cages due to the large size and strong bite force of adult giant pandas.

Separately, the park expected the twin cubs to make their first public appearance during the Lunar New Year as the four-month-old pair's front limbs are strong enough to support their bodies as they crawl, and they are believed to be able to stand up and even walk soon.

The park added that the twins have already developed canine teeth, and they may feel an itch in their mouths and often want to bite on things during this teething stage.

The park said that if the two siblings are placed together, they will tend to bite each other even more.
 

In addition to exploring Hong Kong, international tourists can take a short ferry ride to the vibrant city of Macao. For a limited time until December 31, the Macao Government Tourism Office is offering complimentary one-way tickets for direct ferry services from Hong Kong to Macao. A seamless and complimentary bus journey from Hong Kong International Airport to the Macao Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is available as well. Kindly note that the tickets are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, visit https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/article/promotion/fly-you-to-macao?gad_source=1&gclid=cj0kcqia57g5bhduarisacgcynwcvksriwlqve0kwemuexkvhhge-tauy8ferkru3uc-q7yxypmb48kaamzdealw_wcb