Panda Craze Sweeps Hong Kong as Naming Competition for Locally-Born Cubs Begins

Panda Craze Grips Hong Kong as Naming Competition for New Cubs Begins

Hong Kong is once again in the throes of panda mania as residents eagerly participate in the naming competition for the territory's first locally-born giant panda cubs, who recently turned six months old.

The competition to name the adorable twins, born on August 15th, was launched on Saturday with a celebratory ceremony at Ocean Park. The theme park is home to the twins, their parents, and two other giant pandas that arrived from mainland China last year. Residents can submit their name suggestions through the park's website.

Hong Kong leader John Lee, who attended the ceremony, proudly announced that the southern Chinese city now boasts the largest number of pandas in captivity outside of mainland China. He also revealed that the cubs' names will be unveiled in the first half of this year.

The panda cubs, currently known as the "Elder Sister" and the "Little Brother," will make their public debut on Sunday. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the playful pair for five hours daily. For those who wish to spend more time with the cubs before the park opens, an exclusive experience is available for a fee of 1,500 Hong Kong dollars (approximately $190).

During a media preview session on Saturday, the panda carers shared insights into the twins' personalities. The female cub, known for her active nature, enjoys climbing trees and resting on high branches, while her brother prefers exploring and playing with plants. To distinguish the male cub, he has been marked with two purple food-coloring spots on his back.

The birth of the panda cubs last year made their mother, Ying Ying, the world's oldest first-time panda mom. Their immense popularity on social media has also sparked hopes for a tourism boost in the city. Officials have encouraged businesses to capitalize on the "panda economy" and seize the opportunities presented by the public's fascination with these adorable creatures.

Ocean Park's chairman, Paulo Pong, confirmed that the park has already witnessed an increase in income during the Christmas and Lunar New Year holidays, coinciding with the arrival of the new pandas. He believes that the pandas are significantly contributing to the park's financial recovery.

However, caring for pandas in captivity is a costly endeavor. Ocean Park recorded a deficit of 71.6 million Hong Kong dollars ($9.2 million) last financial year and required a government bailout in 2020. Observers are closely monitoring whether the additional expense of caring for six pandas will further burden the park or provide a much-needed opportunity for revival.

Pong emphasized that raising pandas is not merely a financial exercise but a commitment to animal conservation and education. He also acknowledged the significance of pandas as China's unofficial national mascot and the role they play in Beijing's soft-power diplomacy through panda loan programs with overseas zoos.