According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, over 30,000 species of animals and plants in the world are facing the threat of extinction due to overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, and rapid climate change. As a world-class conservation and education hub, Ocean Park Hong Kong continuously carries out breeding programmes for various species, including giant pandas, Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys, and cownose rays. Through collaboration with institutions across the globe, we help increase the populations of these species and maintain their genetic diversity.
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In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Central Government gifted two giant pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le to the HKSAR in 2007, where they settled at Ocean Park. Our team took on the mission of helping this pair of giant pandas reproduce with the support from the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda. The breeding programme began in 2010.
During each breeding season, our animal care and veterinary teams closely monitor the physical and behavioural changes of Ying Ying and Le Le, providing them with opportunities for natural mating. They have also joined China’s National Giant Panda Breeding Programme. Ying Ying had temporarily relocated to Sichuan in 2015 for natural mating opportunities with experienced genetically appropriate male(s).
Years of dedicated efforts finally brought exciting results. In 2024, our team successfully facilitated the reproduction of Ying Ying and Le Le. The day before her 19th birthday, Ying Ying gave birth to the twin cubs, the elder sister Jia Jia and the male cub De De, making history in Hong Kong. Ying Ying also became the oldest giant panda on record to successfully give birth for the first time.
An An and Ke Ke, the other pair of giant pandas gifted by the Central Government to the Hong Kong SAR in 2024, have also settled comfortably at Ocean Park. Our caretakers will closely observe and assess their behaviour during breeding seasons, allowing them to gradually get to know each other, with hopes of continuing to breed the next generation of giant pandas.
