Panda Diplomacy: New Giants Arrive in Hong Kong Amid Tourism Revival

Hong Kong recently welcomed An An and Ke Ke, the newest giant pandas from Beijing. These pandas, along with the recent birth of twins, are expected to boost the city’s tourism. The pandas will undergo quarantine before being introduced to the public at Ocean Park, a longtime attraction for residents and tourists.

Hong Kong welcomed An An and Ke Ke, a new pair of giant pandas gifted by Beijing, at a lavish ceremony, sparking hopes for a revival in the city's tourism industry.

An An and Ke Ke are the third pair of pandas sent to Hong Kong from mainland China since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Their arrival follows Ying Ying's recent birth of twins, making her the world's oldest first-time panda mother. With the addition of the new bears, Hong Kong now hosts six pandas.

Chief Executive John Lee described An An as a 5-year-old agile, intelligent male and Ke Ke as a 5-year-old gentle, cute female adept at climbing. The new arrivals will be quarantined for two months before joining Ocean Park's long-standing animal collection, with public viewings expected by mid-December.

The Hong Kong government plans to invite residents to propose names for the new pandas in October, aiming to highlight their unique characteristics. Tourism officials are optimistic that the increased number of pandas will boost visitor numbers and economic gain, with businesses encouraged to capitalize on the so-called 'panda economy.'

This aligns with China's long-standing panda diplomacy, using the endangered species as a symbol of soft power. However, the high cost of maintaining pandas is a challenge, evidenced by a Finnish zoo's recent return of loaned pandas due to financial strain.

Ocean Park has hosted pandas since 1999, initially receiving An An and Jia Jia after Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule. Jia Jia holds the record as the oldest panda ever in captivity.

(With inputs from agencies.)