Cuteness overload as panda team works to expedite transfer

Ayra Wang

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu enjoyed his visit to the Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda to see the cute furry animals, a pair of which he hopes will arrive in Hong Kong before National Day.

The Hong Kong delegation arrived in Sichuan on Sunday night to discuss with local authorities the transfer of a pair of giant pandas gifted by Beijing.

Lee's wife Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim, senior officials - including Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung and Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Mickey Lai Kin-ming - and Ocean Park representatives joined the delegation.

They arrived at the panda base at around 10am yesterday to learn about giant panda caring, breeding, and transportation.

Lee said: "I believe people will be as delighted and excited as I am when the pair of pandas arrive in Hong Kong."

Asked if the pandas could arrive in Hong Kong before October 1, Lee said Hong Kong is "definitely making an effort to expedite the process."

He later met with Li Yunqing, deputy head of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and secretary of China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas Lu Yongbin to discuss the arrival arrangement as well as further cooperation between Sichuan and Hong Kong on giant panda conservation.

In the afternoon, Lee visited the Sichuan Hong Kong Jockey Club Olympic School, which was built with the club's funding of 135 million yuan (HK$145 million) after the 2008 earthquake in the province.

The school selects and trains young athletes, and Hong Kong has been sending teenagers for exchange every year.

Yeung said his bureau is already in touch with mainland counterparts to discuss transport arrangements. He also said the bureau is in close contact with Ocean Park.

Yeung, posting on Facebook, said he arrived in Chengdu on Sunday afternoon. The delegation return to Hong Kong today.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com