오션파크로 떠나는 즐거운 여행에 필요한 모든 것
Today, joyous celebration filled the air across Hong Kong as Ocean Park hosted the highly anticipated Giant Panda Twins’ Grand Birthday Party, marking the first birthday of Hong Kong’s beloved giant panda twin cubs, Jia Jia and De De! The party brought together a vibrant mix of officiating guests, 18 one-year-old toddlers who share the cubs’ birthday, and close to 400 panda fans from across the city, all eager to share in this special moment.
The atmosphere was electric as guests gathered at Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel to celebrate for Jia Jia and De De, who have captured hearts across Hong Kong and beyond since their birth on 15 August 2024. Significantly, 15 August also marks National Ecology Day, making this celebration a powerful reminder of the critical importance of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, “Over the past year, like many of you, I have been delighted to witness Jia Jia and De De’s remarkable and healthy growth — so swift it feels almost as if they were growing up too quickly. Their arrival is a testament to the strong collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland in scientific research, conservation and education, and has further deepened the community’s understanding of, and support for, our country’s conservation efforts.”
Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said, “Jia Jia and De De's first birthday is a major event for Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Ocean Park, local creators, international influencers, and celebrities, has launched a series of celebratory activities, inviting both citizens and visitors to participate. The HKTB will continue to promote the ‘Come and Celebrate the “Pandastic” Birthday in Hong Kong’ campaign, with the giant panda family serving as Hong Kong's tourism ambassadors, attracting visitors from around the globe.”
Mr Paulo Pong, Chairman of the Board of Ocean Park Corporation, said, “Jia Jia and De De’s growth has captivated hearts and united Hong Kong. They are a miracle of life and a triumph of conservation. As our conservation ambassadors, their first birthday, coinciding with National Ecology Day, powerfully reminds us of the vital importance of protecting natural ecosystems and precious species. Ocean Park will continue to uphold its mission of conservation and education, creating a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Documentary chronicles the heartwarming growth story
A truly heartwarming moment unfolded at the grand birthday party as Ocean Park’s animal care team shared touching anecdotes about Jia Jia (aka Elder Sister) and De De (aka Little Brother)’s growth. They revealed the latest exciting updates on Jia Jia and De De’s development: at just one year old, both cubs now nearly weigh an impressive 30kg, a testament to their robust health! Also, the twins are eagerly transitioning to solid foods, now regularly observed chewing on Ying Ying's bamboo and enjoying specially prepared bamboo shoots and carrots cut into fine sticks.
They also highlighted the evolution of husbandry practices, from 24-hour observation and bottle-feeding to the cubs now independently drinking from bowls and playfully running around their mother. Park visitors were captivated by their distinct personalities – Jia Jia, independent and cautious like their mother Ying Ying, and De De, outgoing and carefree like father Le Le. This intimate glimpse into the cubs’ daily lives and their remarkable progress, was followed by an exclusive premiere of a captivating documentary teaser, chronicling the twins’ incredible first year.
A historic milestone: panda cubs and toddlers share their birthday celebration
Following the stage event, a specially designed Häagen-Dazs™ birthday cake was prepared for Jia Jia and De De, who were seen curiously exploring the icy treat for the very first time. The celebration then continued with exclusive experiences for toddlers who share the same birthday as Jia Jia and De De. Along with their families, the toddlers were treated to a visit to the Giant Panda Adventure to witness Jia Jia and De De’s playful interactions with each other. Their special day continued as they indulge in a delightful buffet at Club Panda, while Ocean Park Annual Members and Panda Twins Fan Club Members also enjoyed exclusive Giant Panda Adventure access, delighting in the cubs’ lively antics on their first birthday.
A month of 'panda-tastic' joy continues across the Park
Beyond today’s grand party, Ocean Park will keep the ‘panda-tastic’ spirit alive throughout August! Many visitors are proudly sporting complimentary panda twins birthday badges and hats as they explore the Park. What’s more, the Park invites everyone to join the panda caretakers in wishing a very happy 20th birthday to Ying Ying, the proud mother of Jia Jia and De De! Visitors on this special day will have the unique opportunity to see caretakers present her with a special icy cake and sign a jumbo birthday card with warm wishes for her.
The Giant Panda Twins’ Grand Birthday Party not only honoured Jia Jia and De De’s first year but also reinforced Ocean Park’s role as a leader in conservation and a hub for unforgettable family experiences. The Park extends its deepest gratitude to all visitors, partners, and the public for their tremendous support, which continues to drive its mission of inspiring a world where everyone takes action to conserve the environment and grow positively with nature.
