Hong Kong Welcomes Third Pair of Giant Pandas

On September 26, Hong Kong warmly welcomed its third pair of giant pandas, “An An” and “Ke Ke,” who arrived by special flight at Hong Kong International Airport. After their safe landing at around 11 a.m., the pandas were transported to their new home at Ocean Park in Hong Kong, arriving at around 1 p.m.

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Accompanied by experts from both Sichuan and Hong Kong, the pandas set off from the Dujiangyan Base of China’s Giant Panda Protection Research Center at 3 a.m., reaching Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 9 a.m. for their Cathay Pacific flight.

As the plane touched down under the clear skies of Hong Kong, the team immediately conducted a health check on the pandas. Approximately 30 minutes later, the cargo doors opened, and “An An” and “Ke Ke” were carefully lowered from the plane in their custom-designed crates, adorned with their photos, before being transferred to a truck heading to the cargo terminal.

During their arrival, the pandas curiously peered out from their cages, seemingly greeting the Hong Kong citizens. It was their first public appearance in their new home.

At around 1 p.m., escorted by the Hong Kong Police, the panda convoy smoothly entered the west gate of Ocean Park. Amid cheers and the sound of a park band, dozens of waiting panda fans waved panda-shaped balloons and signs, welcoming “An An” and “Ke Ke” with great enthusiasm.

“The pandas are so lovable,” said local resident Chan Ka-yee, who was among the crowd. “Now there are six pandas in Hong Kong, and six is a lucky number! I hope they bring more joy to the city.”

Earlier, on August 15, the Hong Kong government announced exciting news: the panda “Ying Ying” gave birth to a pair of twin cubs at 2:05 a.m. and 3:27 a.m. on August 15, the day before her 19th birthday. This marked the first time a panda had successfully given birth in Hong Kong, and Ying Ying became the oldest first-time panda mother on record.

With the arrival of the new pair of pandas and the birth of twin cubs, Hong Kong’s panda family has grown significantly, delighting panda enthusiasts who had long awaited this joyful moment. The news caused a buzz on the internet, as citizens eagerly anticipated their first glimpse of the panda cubs.

Keywords: Hong Kong giant pandas, An An, Ke Ke, giant panda Ocean Park, Hong Kong panda, Ying Ying panda birth, twin panda, new giant pandas in Hong Kong

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