Giant panda An An at Ocean Park, in Hong Kong, on Dec 7, 2024. - Photo provided to China Daily
HONG KONG: A pair of giant pandas the central government presented as gifts to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will continue to be known as An An and Ke Ke, symbolising stability, safety and boundless possibilities for the city.
The announcement was made during a ceremony on Saturday (Dec 7) at Ocean Park -- Hong Kong’s biggest theme park.
The decision to keep the pandas’ original names was made after more than 22,000 proposals were submitted in a city-wide naming contest.
"An" represents peace, while "Ke" signifies limitless possibilities in Chinese. Besides, "An Ke", which sounds like "encore" in French, conveys the idea that good things will come in succession, connoting hopes for Hong Kong’s positivity and continued prosperity.
An An and Ke Ke will meet members of the public on Sunday at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures at Ocean Park.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu told the ceremony the SAR government will leverage the pandas to unite various sectors of society and introduce more panda-related promotional activities, offering residents and tourists unforgettable panda experiences.
He recalled his first encounter with the pandas in Sichuan province in July this year, describing one as agile and clever, and the other as having a gentle, lovable demeanor -- an experience he and his wife found to be truly memorable.
Lee said the gifting of the pandas shows the central government’s support and care for the HKSAR. With the addition of An An and Ke Ke, along with Ying Ying and Le Le -- another pair of pandas gifted by the central government in 2007 and their twin cubs born this year -- Hong Kong SAR now has six pandas, making the city as having the most pandas outside of the Chinese mainland.
He said the national treasures are a successful example of the country’s conservation efforts, and pledged to hold more events to promote the conservation capabilities of the nation and the SAR to visitors.
Lee said hopes all residents are eager to meet An An and Ke Ke, welcoming them as members of the Hong Kong family, and encouraging frequent visits to see the pandas.
Zhou Ji, executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, said pandas are national treasures, while the HKSAR is a blessed and precious land, emphasizing the significance of having these treasures in such a special place.
He said he’s delighted with the enthusiasm of local residents for the pandas and was pleased to witness the pandas taking root in the city, growing alongside young people and becoming an emotional bond between the Chinese mainland and the SAR.
Zhou said the pair of pandas carry the nation’s best wishes for Hong Kong, promoting a harmonious modernization between humans and nature, and contributing to the creation of a shared global community of life.
The two adult pandas arrived in Hong Kong SAR from Sichuan province on Sept 26 this year as gifts from the central government to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland. - China Daily/ANN
