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Denise Tsang

Hong Kong authorities will appoint a panel to decide the names of two giant pandas being gifted by Beijing, with the decision to be made after the pair arrive in the city on Thursday, the Post has learned.
Sources said on Monday night that the bears, aged five to eight years, which is equivalent to 15 to 24 in human years, were known as “An An” and “Ke Ke” while living at the Dujiangyan base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Pandas in Chengdu.
They said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu was expected to announce the setting up of the naming panel on Tuesday morning before his weekly meeting with the Executive Council.
One source said the two pandas were a female and a male.
Sichuan will hold a farewell ceremony for the pandas on Wednesday. They will arrive at Hong Kong airport at around midday on Thursday on a Cathay Pacific Airways cargo plane.
The pandas and their accompanying veterinary surgeons have been quarantined for 30 days ahead of the journey.
The pandas will face another 30 days of quarantine or longer, depending on their health situation, after reaching the city.
They will stay at the Ocean Park theme park, joining the city’s resident giant pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le, and the couple’s newborn twins.

The twin cubs – a male and a female – have also yet to be named. The park currently refers to them as “Elder Sister” and “Little Brother”.
An An has the same name as one of two giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong in 1999. The previous An An died in 2022 at age 35, the equivalent of 105 human years, after previously becoming the world’s longest-living male panda in captivity.
His partner, Jia Jia, died in 2016 at age 38.


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Hong Kong’s pandas

Hong Kong to create panel to name giant pandas being gifted to city by Beijing

One of the pandas living at the Dujiangyan base of the China Conservation and Research Centre. Beijing has gifted two of the animals to Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

The pair will stay at Ocean Park after they arrive in Hong Kong. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong’s National Day fireworks to feature panda themes and opening drone show

A depiction from the show’s organiser of its recreation of bamboo groves, in a nod to the city’s growing family of pandas. Photo: Handout

One segment of the show will feature giant smiley faces and hearts. Photo: Handout

Panda Watch: Hong Kong cub twins put on healthy weight at 5-week mark

“Little Sister” takes a small nap as she reaches five weeks old. Photo: Handout

“Little Brother” spends time with momma while his sister rests. Photo: Handout

News

Hong Kong

Hong Kong economy

Chief Executive John Lee expected to announce panel members on Tuesday, days before pandas arrived in city after 30-day quarantine


Chief Executive John Lee expected to announce panel members on Tuesday, days before pandas arrived in city after 30-day quarantine.
