Ocean Park Hong Kong cares for over 6,700 animal ambassadors, including the beloved national treasures like giant pandas, as well as precious species from tropical rainforests and polar regions. Among them, over 80 species face various threats in the wild and are classified as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, or regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They are our vital partners in conservation education.
The Park provides professional care and responsible population management for these animals. We carry out breeding programmes and collaborate with institutions worldwide on multiple threatened species, including giant pandas, Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys, and cownose rays, welcoming many new members to our animal family. Other ways of animal acquisition may include rescue, breeding loans, exchanges, or purchases from other organisations, with careful planning and consultation.
The Park’s care provides for a positive welfare state for aged animals. Notwithstanding expert professional care, there are times when nature prevails and the care provided cannot sway the course of nature. This includes when an animal comes to the end of its lifespan, or factors influencing survivorship and reproductive success result in stillbirth or disease. Every case of mortality is reviewed and in some instances investigated to aid in further enhancing the Park’s animal care practices. A recent example is the giant panda, An An, who reached 35 years old and was the longest-lived male giant panda under human care. He will continue to empower scientific research, conservation and education after passing away, as part of his carcass was preserved as biological samples.
Other ambassadors within the collection may be transferred by way of breeding loans with other animal facilities, return to their original facilities, or be released into the wild, such as with rehabilitated local wildlife. The Park ensures that recipient facilities are equipped with the expertise and resources required to provide for the welfare of the animals throughout their lives.