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Hong Kong’s new pandas confirmed for public debut in early December

They’ve had about two months of quarantine and adapting time

Catharina Cheung
Written by
Catharina Cheung
Section Editor
Hong Kong pandas An An Ke Ke
Photograph: Courtesy Ocean Park Hong Kong
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The pair of giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong by the central government have been living quietly in Ocean Park out of the public eye since late September, but their official debut to the city has finally been confirmed. The public will be able to visit the two new bears from December 8 at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures enclosure, with no reservations required.

Hong Kong residents were encouraged to take part in a contest to name these giant pandas in October, and the winning entries for the new names will be announced a day before the panda enclosure reopens. According to the secretary for culture, sports, and tourism Kevin Yeung, the naming competition received over 22,000 submissions, including suggestions for keeping the bears’ current names An An and Ke Ke.

As for our twin panda cubs who recently celebrated their 100-day anniversary, they are currently still in confinement with their mother Ying Ying, and are expected to be ready for public viewing in the first quarter of 2025.

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