On April 29, the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation (the Foundation) hosted the “Panda Conservation Alliance” at Hong Kong Ocean Park, providing nearly 1,000 primary and secondary students from 13 schools with a free educational encounter with giant pandas. This initiative, aimed at promoting conservation interactively, marks the largest student visit since the panda cubs debuted in mid-February.

The welcoming ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests, including Mr Clarence LEUNG, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the Government of the HKSAR; Mr YANG Bin, CEO of the Foundation; Ms Dionne KUNG, Deputy CEO of the Foundation; Ms Stephy WANG, Assistant Director of the Foundation; Ms Ysanne CHAN, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Ocean Park Hong Kong; Mr Howard CHUK, Head of Zoological Operations & Conservation at Ocean Park Hong Kong; and Ms Isabel LI, Head of Education at Ocean Park Hong Kong. The event focused on educating the youth about giant panda conservation and biodiversity through various activities, including visits to the panda cubs, Yingying, Lele, Anan, and Keke, participation in the “Panda Wonders: An Illuminated Journey”, and attendance at a panda conservation lecture. 

 

Integrating Giant Panda Conservation Education with Ecological Exploration

Mr YANG Bin, CEO of the Foundation, said in his welcoming remarks, "This event received an overwhelming response, with over 50 schools and 3,200 students and teachers applying to participate. This reflects the ‘irresistible charm’ of giant pandas, who are beloved across the globe as national ambassadors. As an endangered species, giant pandas are a treasure of nature. Thanks to efforts by our country and global conservation experts, including the establishment of nature reserves, artificial breeding, and research, the panda population has gradually recovered in recent years. Every giant panda is a gift from nature, and each of us must contribute to their conservation."

Mr Clarence LEUNG, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, emphasised that the six precious pandas gifted to Hong Kong by the Central Government make Hong Kong the place with the largest giant panda population outside the Mainland. This reflected the Central Government’s care for Hong Kong, providing a valuable opportunity for young people to learn to cherish natural ecology. The event not only enriched students’ knowledge but also fostered a sense of responsibility and mission for ecological conservation. With the strong support of the Central Government, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, Ocean Park Hong Kong, and Sichuan’s Wolong National Nature Reserve have maintained close collaboration over the years to advance panda conservation and research.

Following the ceremony, the students excitedly visited the Giant Panda Adventure to experience the pandas up close and take photos. For some, it was their first time visiting the pandas at Ocean Park.  They eagerly captured the adorable antics of the panda cubs such as playing, climbing trees, rolling on the grass, and interacting affectionately with their mother, Yingying. The scene was filled with laughter and joy.

Interactive Learning Deepens Conservation Awareness

Ocean Park’s conservation team facilitated an engaging learning experience, offering tours and lectures that highlighted China’s achievements in wildlife conservation and artificial breeding. They also shared details about the pandas’ habitats, dietary habits, and how their health is assessed through their droppings.

The event, fully sponsored by the Foundation, targeted underprivileged students from government and subsidized schools. After participating in the panda activities, students and teachers were invited to enjoy the rest of the day at Ocean Park. Participants also received transportation subsidies and a HK$100 meal voucher.

As the event concluded, students expressed their affection for the pandas and their appreciation for the knowledge gained about endangered species conservation. They felt inspired to continue engaging in environmental protection efforts.