Citizens and tourists have responded enthusiastically to the six giant pandas residing at Ocean Park, with visitor numbers increasing by 19 percent over the same period last year.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui stated on Wednesday that the giant panda family generates substantial revenue for the Park through admission tickets and merchandise sales.
This came after the giant pandas An An and Ke Ke made their debut in December at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures, followed by the debut of the twin cubs Jia Jia and De De in February at the "Giant Panda Adventure" of the Park.
Together with Ying Ying and Le Le, the panda family are well received by both locals and visitors, said Law.
She noted that the Park has actively cooperated with various parties to launch giant panda-themed promotional products. Some examples include giant panda-shaped gold jewelry, ornaments, stationery, household products, mobile phone accessories, Chinese cakes, wood carvings, red wine, and even cars.
The Park's current collection of giant panda products has exceeded 500, which is four times the number before the birth of the panda cubs.
In addition, more than 3,000 people have signed up to participate in the activities initiated by Ocean Park in February, which allow visitors to observe the baby pandas before the Park opens.
Law noted that the Bureau will work with the Tourism Board and the Park to launch a new wave of giant panda promotional activities to continue to seize business opportunities for the Park and various sectors.
As for the facilities for giant pandas, Law said Ocean Park has completed the first phase of enhancement works in Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures before the arrival of An An and Ke Ke in September 2024, including the addition of climbing frames, plants, etc., with sponsorships totaling about HK$9 million solicited from a number of private organizations.
She added that a funding of HK$121 million was received from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in September 2024 to take forward upgrading works for the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures and the "Giant Panda Adventure".
The upgrading works is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025 and to complete in the second quarter of 2027.
(Khan Heeba Lazmi)
