Antidote for Hong Kong: Introduction of Panda Cubs Named
Giant Panda Cubs Born in Hong Kong Officially Named, Kickstarting 'Panda Economy'
Hong Kong's twin giant panda cubs, born last August, have officially been named - a move expected to boost the city's economy, affectionately known as the 'panda economy.'
The nine-month-old duo, who have been drawing visitors to their Ocean Park home since mid-February, were named Jia Jia and De De yesterday. The names have a rich cultural significance in Chinese. "Jia Jia" in Mandarin signifies home and family, while its Cantonese version also means encouragement and support. "De De" translates to hope for success in everything and represents virtue. The names were chosen to resonate with their popular nicknames, "Elder Sister" and "Younger Brother."
Over 35,000 submissions were made during the public engagement process that led to the official naming. The names signify not only the cubs' integration into the Hong Kong family but also set expectations for the cute duo as they grow up.
The twins, along with their mother Ying Ying, will soon move to the Alpine Zone of their enclosure at the Giant Panda Adventure. This change will allow visitors to interact with the family without a glass barrier. Their father, Le Le, will remain in a separate area, following the pandas' natural solitary behavior.
Hong Kong has been abuzz with excitement since the surprise twin births, coinciding with the arrival of adult pandas An An and Ke Ke, gifted by Beijing to mark the 27th anniversary of the city's return to Chinese sovereignty.
With the arrival of these six pandas, Hong Kong hopes to capitalize on the opportunities they present. It is believed that the pandas, being beloved ambassadors for their species, can attract tourists and boost local businesses and the economy through ticket sales, food, and merchandise related to the pandas.
The public naming competition organized by Ocean Park also fostered community engagement, potentially leading to increased visits and economic benefits for the surrounding area. While specific economic data or projections are not provided, the increased tourism and accompanying revenue are expected to contribute positively to Hong Kong's economy.
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