오션파크로 떠나는 즐거운 여행에 필요한 모든 것
Hong Kong celebrated the arrival of two giant pandas to their new home following months of preparation and a three-hour flight from Sichuan.
The five-year-old pandas, An An and Ke Ke, presented to Hong Kong as gifts by the Central Government to the special administrative region announced on 1 July, will undergo mandatory quarantine for at least 30 days in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures at Ocean Park Hong Kong.
Visitors to Ocean Park are expected to see An An and Ke Ke in action as early as December after the two pandas go through acclimatisation in their new habitat for one to two months.
"Ocean Park is ready to spread the joy of Hong Kong's newest pandas, An An and Ke Ke, throughout the city as our skilled animal care and veterinary teams give them the warmest of welcomes in their new home," said Paulo Pong, Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation. "Their arrival is sure to renew enthusiasm for this adorable species and strengthen conservation and education efforts in Hong Kong."
An An and Ke Ke’s arrival means that now six giant pandas reside at Ocean Park. In August, the Park’s giant panda Ying Ying gave birth to twin panda cubs to great fanfare!
Journey to Hong Kong
An An and Ke Ke’s journey to their new home in Hong Kong began well before they boarded their flight.
Meticulous preparations have been underway to ensure a smooth journey since mid-July. Ocean Park’s animal care team took turns travelling to the Dujiangyan Base of the Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), laying the groundwork for the successful relocation of An An and Ke Ke.
Ocean Park’s animal care team got first-hand knowledge on An An and Ke Ke’s unique characteristics, behaviours, daily husbandry routines and dietary preferences in Sichuan.
Seamless transportation to the new habitat is of utmost importance! Ocean Park and CCRCGP team members prepped the giant pandas for the flight by helping the pair familiarise with their transportation crates, encouraging voluntary entry into the travel crates to eliminate the need for sedation.
The CCRCGP held a farewell ceremony on 25 September 2024 to see the giant pandas off, attended by Kevin Yeung, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Paulo Pong, Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation.
Accompanied by caretakers and veterinarians from the CCRCGP and Ocean Park, An An and Ke Ke left the Dujiangyan Base at 3:05am. Local citizens and staff lined up at the base exit to bid farewell to the giant pandas before the pair made their way to the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Upon their arrival, the giant pandas boarded an aircraft set to the most comfortable temperature for their direct flight to Hong Kong.
Upon landing at the Hong Kong International Airport at 11:05am, husbandry and veterinary experts from Ocean Park and the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department checked on An An and Ke Ke to ensure they were in good shape. The giant pandas were then carefully transferred to air-conditioned trucks and escorted to Ocean Park by the Police Force Escort Group.
An An and Ke Ke arrived at Ocean Park at 1:20pm today, where they were given a warm welcome by excited staff and performers, led by the Park’s mascot. An An and Ke Ke will undergo a mandatory quarantine period of at least 30 days under close veterinary supervision at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures, followed by approximately a month of training to help them adapt to their new home.
Getting to know An An & Ke Ke
An An and Ke Ke each have charming personalities that would surely delight everyone!
An An, the male giant panda weighing more than 130kg, is energetic and agile. He is known for his adventurous spirit and enjoys the company of his caretakers. He’s a fast learner and has mastered basic training exercises such as targeting and lying down in a breeze!
Meanwhile, Ke Ke, the female weighing around 100kg, is calm and poised, often preferring her own space but also has a fun-loving side. After two months of familiarisation, she is forging close bonds with her caretakers and picking up on husbandry training.
Help the giant pandas feel at home with their new names!
The public will be invited to share their admiration for the giant pandas by participating in a naming competition taking place soon. Please stay tuned for further details.
