The giant panda twins born in Hong Kong four days ago are stable but still fragile, Ocean Park’s chief has said, stressing more online updates are on the way and that the public will only be able to meet the baby bears in a few months.
Park chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee also said on Monday his institution was a non-profit organisation and that a “panda economy” would require more efforts from other sectors.
“The panda cubs are not a week old yet so they are a little fragile, but are eating and excreting well,” Pong told radio programmes.
“The two cubs are also taking turns to spend time with their mother Ying Ying, who holds them so that the cubs can feel the warmth of their mother. The arrangement is dependent on the park’s expert carers.
“We will do our best to post video clips on social media and provide more information on their growth, but at present, the most important thing is to ensure they are healthy.
“It will be another few months before the public can meet the cubs.”
The park previously said the first three or four days after birth were critical for the cubs’ survival, during which their weight would decline slightly.
Pong added that a “panda economy” was viable, noting he would explore collaborations on what related intellectual property could be done. Arrangements for products and promotions for the two pandas arriving in the city in September had been made.
“Now that we have the baby boy and girl, I think it’s even more attractive and can help Hong Kong tourism shine,” he said.
However, he said the park was after all a non-profit organisation and the participation of various industries, including hotel, retail, food and beverage, would be needed for the “panda economy” to flourish.
Pong added the park was regularly giving updates on the pandas on social media and was exploring how to inform the public of the latest updates in a more timely manner, encouraging the public to pay a visit to the park to see the bears in person.
