Meet the sloths at Ocean Park

Ocean Park has opened its newest animal habitat "Sloth and Friends Studio" to welcome the tree-dwelling mammals from Central and South America.

Visitors can meet the two southern two-toed sloths - 13-year-old Ying Mok and eight-year-old Sonic - at 3pm daily in Aqua City.

Upon entering the venue, visitors will see the AI-generated gallery before entering the sloth habitat.

Visitors can also meet other animals in the exhibition, including the macaw, kinkajou and ball python at daily-designated time slots. Animal appearances are subject to change, depending on their situation.

In addition to observing and learning about the characteristics of animals up close, the park said visitors can also learn how to protect their natural habitats.

Howard Chuk Hau-chung, head of zoological operations and conservation, hoped that through the new studio, public awareness can be raised about biodiversity and conservation.

He also encouraged people to reflect on how to achieve a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals in their daily lives, such as conserving water and reducing the use of disposable plastics.

The new habitat also features a series of world-renowned masterpieces reinvented in animal faces using AI technology. Visitors can enjoy the AI artworks featuring the extinct Western black rhinoceros and the endangered indigo-capped hummingbird, among other animals.

Ocean Park chief executive Ivan Wong Chi-fai said the studio introduces visitors to the precious species listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Endangered Species.