The theme park currently only has enough room for two pandas. Photo: Edmond SoHong Kong’s tourism chief Kevin Yeung Yun-hung has said that Ocean Park needs to expand its pavilion to fit six giant pandas.
Last month, Ying Ying gave birth to a male and a female with her mate Le Le. The theme park released a short clip of one of the newborn cubs who gently squealed as it snuggled under a blanket. The family will soon be joined by two young adults gifted by Beijing.
In a televised interview, Yeung said the twins’ birth was a surprise because an ultrasound showed only one cub at first. The twins’ official social media accounts already have more than 55,000 followers.
The park currently has two panda pavilions for Ying Ying and Le Le. Each one has two spaces for the animals.
Yeung noted that pandas typically guard the areas they live in.
“In the long run, we need six pavilions to ... [fit] the six giant pandas. We still have time to consider the construction,” he said. “All Hong Kong residents are happy to see the two panda cubs. I think the government should help address the money issue.”
Yeung promised to give money to help the theme park, which still owes money to the government. He predicted the city’s pandas would attract visitors.