It's a date!

Ayra Wang

The two giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong by the central government will arrive on September 26, sources said, adding that Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung will visit Sichuan this week to follow up on the transportation arrangements.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu led a delegation to Sichuan last month to choose a pair of pandas aged five to eight. The male weighs some 120 kilograms and the female 100kg.

Yeung said the pandas already have names and it has yet to be decided if they will be renamed.

They are expected to be ready to be viewed by the public by the end of October following a 60-day quarantine - 30 in Sichuan and 30 in Hong Kong.

It is understood that Ocean Park, where the pandas will be housed, has transported bamboo planted in Guangdong to the panda base in Sichuan to help the animals adapt to the taste and also sent nursing staff for on-site training.

The park's assistant curator of zoological operations waterfront, Elke Wu, said the pandas will be cared for by the park's existing team.

"The team will designate one or two caregivers to train the pandas to cooperate with the nursing staff, such as opening their mouths to allow vet checks," Wu said, adding that it usually takes months to build trust between the pandas and the caregivers.

Wu said the park is preparing a new home for the pair, with different facilities to mimic their natural living environment and match each panda's personality.

The park has two indoor panda houses but it is not known where the new pair will be housed.

Ying Ying and Le Le, which have been living in Hong Kong for 17 years, mated at the beginning of 2024. Ying Ying is being observed for signs of pregnancy, Wu said.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com