Hong Kong Giant Panda Twins Jiajia and Dede Mark Second Birthday at Ocean Park
Crhk · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's homegrown giant panda twins Jiajia and Dede marked their second birthday at Ocean Park on Saturday, drawing large crowds to their celebratory party. The park prepared a special birthday cake made of ice, carrots and other vegetables for the young pandas, who have grown into lively and agile "little adults" according to officials. Culture, Sports and Tourism Secretary Lo Shuk-man highlighted that the twins now weigh approximately 60 kilograms and have learned to respond to zookeeper commands, demonstrating their development. As the pandas mature, they may eventually need to live separately, and this could be the final birthday the twins share with their mother Ying Ying at the park. The celebration coincided with National Ecology Day, prompting Ocean Park to announce a new partnership with the Hong Kong Scout Association to promote environmental conservation among youth.
Key Points
- Twin pandas Jiajia and Dede turned two years old, born to parents Ying Ying and Le Le at Ocean Park in Hong Kong
- Ocean Park hosted a birthday party with an ice cake made from carrots and vegetables for the young pandas
- Culture, Sports and Tourism Secretary Lo Shuk-man stated the twins weigh 60 kilograms, are agile, lively, and have become "little adults"
- The pandas have learned to cooperate with zookeeper instructions and respond to commands
- This may be the last birthday where the twins and mother Ying Ying celebrate together as they grow older
- Ocean Park announced a green alliance partnership with the Hong Kong Scout Association on National Ecology Day
Why It Matters
The birthday celebration comes as Hong Kong has launched a series of panda-themed initiatives including special buses and trams to engage both residents and tourists. The potential separation of the twins marks an important milestone in panda conservation, as giant pandas typically become independent as they mature. The timing of this celebration alongside National Ecology Day underscores the broader educational mission of these iconic animals in fostering environmental awareness among Hong Kong's younger generation .
The birthday celebration comes as Hong Kong has launched a series of panda-themed initiatives including special buses and trams to engage both residents and tourists. The potential separation of the twins marks an important milestone in panda conservation, as giant pandas typically become independent as they mature. The timing of this celebration alongside National Ecology Day underscores the broader educational mission of these iconic animals in fostering environmental awareness among Hong Kong's younger generation .