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Giant panda lovers have had much to cheer about lately. Not only did Hong Kong see the birth of its first-ever locally-born giant pandas in August, but another pair of giant pandas arrived from Chengdu today (26 September). These national treasures are a gift from the Central Government.

In support, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has approved a donation of over HK$121 million to upgrade animal habitats within the “Giant Panda Adventure” and “Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures”. These will provide a high quality, safe, age-appropriate and more natural living habitat for giant pandas living in the Park, including snow features and landscape restoration. The donation will also support the expansion of the “Giant Panda Adventure” as well as educational programmes for students from underprivileged backgrounds, enabling them to visit the giant pandas at Ocean Park.

HKSAR Government Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung, Club Chairman Michael Lee, Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation Paulo Pong, and other guests welcomed the arrival of the giant pandas at the apron of Hong Kong International Airport.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is committed to promoting sustainable development. The Club supported Ocean Park’s construction and initial operations following its opening in 1977. In 1998, the Club’s Charities Trust funded the construction of the “Hong Kong Jockey Club Giant Panda Habitat”. After renovation and expansion in 2012, it was renamed the “Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures”. The Club has also supported community projects organised by Ocean Park, including the “Jockey Club Ocean Park Education Programme” and the “Jockey Club Giant Panda Junior Volunteer Programme”, aimed at fostering awareness among students and the community about rare animal species, including national treasures like giant pandas. With this latest donation, the Club and its Charities Trust has approved a total of over HK$900 million in donations towards Ocean Park’s development and operations.

The Club’s support for Ocean Park, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities.