The head of Ocean Park has given Hong Kongers a much-anticipated update on the giant panda twins born in the city four days ago. He said they are doing well but are still fragile and promised to provide further updates online. However, the chairman reiterated that the public will not be able to meet the cubs for “a few months”.
The park’s chairman, Paulo Pong Kin-yee, also said on Monday that his facility is a non-profit organization and that a “panda economy” would require greater efforts from other sectors.
“The panda cubs are less than a week old and are still a bit fragile, but they are eating and excreting well,” Pong said on radio broadcasts.
“The two cubs also take turns spending time with their mother Ying Ying, who holds them so that the cubs can feel their mother’s warmth. The arrangement depends on the park’s experienced keepers.
“We will do our best to post video clips on social media and provide more information about their growth, but right now the most important thing is to make sure they are healthy,” Pong said.
Beijing’s gift to Hong Kong: a pair of giant pandas coming in September
“It will be several months before the public can meet the boys.”
The park had previously stated that the first three to four days after birth were crucial for the survival of the cubs, as their weight would decrease slightly during this time.
Pong added that a “panda economy” is feasible, noting that he would explore collaborations regarding the associated intellectual property claims.
Preparations for products and promotions for two more pandas, a gift from Beijing and arriving in the city in September, were completed in Sichuan on Friday by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung.
Speaking about the city’s newborn bears, Pong said: “Now that we have the boy and the girl, I think it is even more attractive and can help improve the image of tourism in Hong Kong.”
However, he stressed that the park is a non-profit organization and that for the “panda economy” to thrive, the participation of various industries, including hospitality, retail, and food and beverage, is required.
Pong added that the park regularly posts updates about the pandas on social media and is exploring how to provide the public with more timely information about the latest developments.
He urged the public to visit the park to see all the pandas in person when the time comes for their public unveiling.
