Latest news with #OceanPark
South China Morning Post
6 hours ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Dolphin's death another wake-up call to phase out animal captivity
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Advertisement Rita, a female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin at Hong Kong's Ocean Park, has died at the age of 24 . In the wild, dolphins of her species can live over 40 years, yet Rita's premature death comes as no surprise. Taison Chang Kai-tai , former Ocean Park employee and current chairman of the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, has exposed the suffering of dolphins imprisoned in the park: constant noise, limited food and cramped enclosures. Highly intelligent and social, dolphins in captivity often exhibit atypical or meaningless behaviours given the lack of stimulation or autonomy. These conditions contribute to their deteriorating health and shortened lifespans. Despite the evident harm, dolphins remain in captivity because they are highly profitable crowd-pullers. Zoos and marine parks often mask this cruelty with sugar-coated narratives. Ocean Park, for instance, claimed Rita helped 'convey conservation messages' since 'students had learned about and appreciated the natural behaviour' and 'were inspired to contribute to marine conservation'. But as naturalist Jacques Cousteau once said, 'There is about as much educational benefit to be gained from studying dolphins in captivity as there would be from studying mankind by only studying prisoners held in solitary confinement.' Cultural critic John Berger similarly noted that seeing animals in zoos is like viewing 'an image out of focus'. Advertisement More importantly, educating the public about animals through captivity reinforces human superiority by normalising the exploitation of animals for our 'education'. This undermines true environmental education, which should cultivate care and respect for the natural world, not dominance.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
2.3% rise in mainland visitors to Hong Kong on first day of Dragon Boat Festival
Hong Kong has recorded a 2.3 per cent increase against last year in the number of mainland Chinese tourists arriving on the first day of the Tuen Ng Festival holiday, as some opted to avoid crowds across the border and instead experience the city's festive vibe. Data published by the Immigration Department on Sunday showed that 139,585 visitors from the mainland arrived in the city on Saturday, the start of what is a three-day long weekend across the border. The city also recorded 574,895 outbound trips on Saturday, slightly more than the 570,000 estimated by authorities. The departures included 432,342 Hong Kong residents, which was also a 17 per cent drop from the 521,759 last year. Tourists and locals headed out to soak up the festivities on Sunday, with dozens of children and their parents queuing to enjoy an interactive drum game that mimicked a dragon boat race outside the K11 Musea shopping centre. Many also gathered near a photo spot that was set up by the Tourism Board and Ocean Park with cut-outs of six pandas and dragon boats against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Hong Kong Summer Viva': Calling All Fans to Dive into Festivals, Games and Parties – Only in Hong Kong!
Here comes a citywide bash that's jam-packed with events and activities for travellers from all corners of the worldHONG KONG, May 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This summer, Hong Kong invites the world to experience 'Hong Kong Summer Viva', a season-long celebration of everything we love about summer, with exclusive experiences, parties and adventures for every type of fan. From theme park parties and island escapes to action-packed sports events, buzzing fairs and surprise pop-ups, Hong Kong Summer Viva is your invitation to dive headfirst into a summer to remember – only in Hong Kong. Global Fans Unite for Fun-Filled Theme Park Celebrations Get ready to groove into the summer party vibes! Starting June 28, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) celebrates its 20th anniversary with The Most Magical Party of All, a year-long extravaganza filled with three unmissable festivities, including a brand-new anniversary-only castle stage show, largest-ever parade and the grandest nighttime spectacular in HKDL's history. At this day-to-night party, tempt your tastebuds with more than 80 new food and drink creations, complete your party look with over 300 all-new 20th anniversary merchandise, and receive a complimentary digital party photo via the Disney PhotoPass mobile app. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Resort is introducing a limited-time postcard redemption offer. Fans registered on the DHK who spend HK$100 or more in a single transaction at any merchandise store in Hong Kong Disneyland Park can receive a complimentary, resort exclusive postcard* (while stocks last). Guests can mail the postcard for free using the in-park mailbox, sharing the magic of the 20th Anniversary celebration with friends and family around the world. Make your summer even more magical with this special keepsake!Celebrate 20 years of magic at Hong Kong Disneyland with The Most Magical Party of All – and even a limited-edition postcard to send home. Over at Ocean Park Hong Kong, the fun continues with Ocean Park Summer Splash 2025. From 5 July to 24 August, panda lovers are in for a treat as they celebrate the first birthday of the Hong Kong's panda twins – Jia Jia and De De, and meet their newest IP character installations, which are dressed in summer gear to welcome all visitors. Ocean Park Hong Kong will also offer special deals for overseas panda fans, including its first-ever 'Twin Park Package Ticket' granting access to both parks. Guests can also receive an exclusive summer goodie bag filled with a panda luggage tag and park vouchers, with first come first serve purpose. The family-friendly Summer Splash 2025 also features water gun battle zones, a giant ball pool and adorable water play areas for little ones. As day turns to night, Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong will be turning up the energy with a splash-tastic dance party, including live DJ sets and picture-perfect sea views. Football Fever Takes Over Hong Kong Kicking off at the end of July, Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 will bring together four of the world's top clubs – Liverpool FC, AC Milan, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur – to face off at the new Kai Tak Stadium. Fans can catch two blockbuster matches on separate days: Liverpool FC vs. AC Milan on 26 July, and Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur on 31 July, marking the first North London Derby played outside the UK. Exclusive open training sessions at Kai Tak Stadium offer rare access on 24 July (Liverpool FC), 29 July (Tottenham Hotspur), and 30 July (Arsenal). AC Milan's Open Training will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium on 25 July. Additional club-led events and activities for fans will be announced. Please stay tuned! For Cristiano Ronaldo fans, the CR7® LIFE Museum Hong Kong will be on display for the first time in Asia, starting 7 July at K11 MUSEA. First signature museum of the football GOAT in Asia offers a captivating journey through the life and career of football's greatest icon, Cristiano Ronaldo. This unique exhibition offers fans an unprecedented glimpse into the world of football through the eyes of one of the sport's most celebrated Islands and Marine Adventures for Outdoor Enthusiasts Island-hopping in Hong Kong offers more than just sun and sea – it's a gateway to natural wonders and rich marine life, too. From June to August, travellers can enjoy a breezy two-hour 'Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region Boat Tour' with Recommended Geopark Guide (R2G) across this scenic UNESCO-listed corner of Hong Kong, where dramatic coastal formations like the Elephant Trunk Cave await. UNESCO Global Geopark - R2G Boat Tour of the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region Details: Date: June–August (Every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday) No. of rides: 3 rides per day (9am, 12pm and 3pm) Route: Sai Kung Pier > Sharp Island (Land for approx. 30 min) > Bell-shaped sea arch > Basalt Island > Po Pin Chau > Elephant Trunk Cave > Sai Kung Pier (Duration: 2 hrs) Tour language: English, Mandarin Tour fee: HK$380 per person (same price for adults and children) How to register: For a deeper dive beneath the surface, book your spot on a guided Coral Exploration Programme with the WWF Hong Kong Hoi Ha Marine Life Centre in the northeastern New Territories. You'll glide over the marine park on a glass-bottomed boat, spot vibrant coral reefs and learn about local coral restoration efforts – a fascinating look at the city's vibrant underwater ecosystem. Coral Exploration Tour Details Date: June - September Activities: Introduce HK marine environment and Hoi Ha Marine Park Learn about the coral community in Hoi Ha Observe Hoi Ha Wan corals on our glass-bottomed boat (Aged 5 or above) Visit the coral nursery facility * Round trip transportation from Sai Kung to Hoi Ha Wan is included Language: English, Mandarin Tour fee: HK$360 per person (same price for adults and children) How to register: 2 Must-Visit Summer Fairs for Curious Minds Book lovers can look forward to two exciting events at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai this summer. From 16 to 22 July, the Hong Kong Book Fair returns with the theme of the year, 'Food Culture • Future Living'. It brings together publishers, authors and readers to promote the culture of reading through seminars with renowned authors from around the world, a range of cultural activities and the World of Art and Culture zone, all to inspire the public to explore reading the world. Then, from 25 to 29 July, the spotlight shifts to fandoms of a different kind with the five-day Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong (ACGHK), the city's premier festival for anime, comics, gaming and cosplay. Whether you're a devoted manga enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the gaming world, this high-energy pop culture fest delivers an afternoon of colour, creativity and pure fun. ACGHK 2025 introduces a dedicated Tourist Fast Lane (Gate 1B) at normal ticket price for international visitors holding valid travelling documents. Even More Hong Kong Summer Events and Offers Besides attractions, hotels and Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme-certified merchants are supporting HKTB's 'Hong Kong Summer Viva' thematic promotion. Starting on 23 June, locals and visitors can enjoy more than 100 summer dining and spending offers, including more than 20 of buy-one-get-one-free offers, covering merchandises and tourism products such as sweet soup drink, beverages, hotel afternoon tea sets and hotel buffet deals and many more. Various attractions and transport operators will also provide discounts and hospitality treats, such as free packages for round trip peak tram ride and Sky Terrace 428 admission ticket and water taxi tour around the Victoria Harbour for HK$100. Further details will be announced in due course. Visit the Hong Kong Summer Viva page for full event details and insider tips. And don't miss the revamped Discover Hong Kong travel platform, now featuring monthly event timelines, powerful search tools and up-to-date listings to help you plan the ultimate summer getaway. Click here to download high-res images. For media enquiries, please contact: Ms. Annice Li Email: Ms. Claris Lam Email: Photos accompanying this announcement are available at in to access your portfolio
New Paper
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Waller eyeing 4th Queensland Derby
BRISBANE It has been anything bar a conventional lead-up for Chris Waller's trio of runners in the A$1 million (S$829,000) Group 1 Queensland Derby (2,400m) at Eagle Farm on May 31. The master trainer has won the race three times, first with Hawkspur in 2013 followed by Kukeracha in 2021 and Kovalica in 2023. The multiple Sydney champion trainer will again travel to the Sunshine State, sending up leading hope Belle Detelle as well as Imperialist and Existential Bob this year. Belle Detelle already boasts a famous lineage. She is a three-quarter sister to Waller's 2021 Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant. The two share the same sire Zed while Verry Elleegant's dam Opulence is the mother of Belle Detelle's dam, Black Lace. Belle Detelle, whose two wins include the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2,000m), is aiming to become just the third filly after Riva San (2008) and Dariana (2010) to win the Queensland Derby this century, with Waller preferring the true mile-and-a-half journey over the 2,200m of the Queensland Oaks. She finished sixth to stablemate Imperialist in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2,000m) at Doomben on May 17 at her last start. She was the favourite while Imperialist was unwanted at 60-1, but Waller said that Belle Detelle's run was more than acceptable given the circumstances. "It was solid, it was a very wet track," said Waller. "She got a long way back and she finished off well. The barrier draw (is important), whether it's Eagle Farm or Doomben, doesn't matter where you're at." Unfortunately for connections, Belle Detelle has drawn barrier No. 21, which will come into 17 of 18 if emergencies fail to get a run, with champion jockey James McDonald booked to ride. The pairing combined only once, in the Rough Habit Plate. While tactics remain a query for Belle Detelle, Waller confirmed Imperialist would be ridden similarly to last start when leading throughout to spring a surprise in the Rough Habit Plate, named after the champion New Zealand galloper, himself a Queensland Derby winner in 1990. "Imperialist surprised us a little bit. In the Australian Derby, we went back to last and he never made an impact, so we just sort of formed the opinion that he might not stay," said Waller of the Churchill gelding who had shown mixed form in the run-up. "I asked Tommy Berry after the Rough Habit and he said 'no, he'll get further'. So, (as he was) obviously ridden close to the speed the other day, we'll ride him similarly on Saturday." The trio is rounded out by last-start Ipswich winner Existential Bob, a two-time victorious Ocean Park gelding whom Waller himself owns alongside wife Stephanie. "Existential Bob won at Ipswich the other day. He's come up here to run in the Derby and he'll stay," said Waller who has handed the reins to Jason Collett, who was Existential Bob's winning partner at his maiden win at Wyong. "He's by Ocean Park, he needs to improve but he's in there (with a chance) as well." At 6-1, Belle Detelle is the second favourite in an open market headed by 4-1 shot Statuario, who ran second to Femminile in the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2,500m) at Morphettville on May 3. Wife-and-husband training duo Emma-Lee and David Browne are hoping Statuario can go one better in their hunt for a first Group 1 win. Besides Belle Detelle, the Phillip Stokes-trained and just Yulong-acquired Femminile is one of four fillies in the Queensland Derby, alongside Lindsay Park's Chase Your Dreams and standby starter Eclair Encore who got in following the scratching of Saint Emilion. Gun Melbourne jockey Blake Shinn had to forfeit the plum ride on Femminile after hurting his left foot in a jumpout on May 26. As a result, Tim Clark, who was booked on the Ciaron Maher-trained Saint Emilion, will partner Femminile. SKY RACING WORLD
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's twin baby panda cubs named Jia Jia and De De
Hong Kong's nine-month-old twin panda cubs - previously known only as 'Elder Sister' and 'Younger Brother' - have been named Jia Jia and De De, respectively. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui announced on Tuesday the results of the panda naming contest, which received more than 35,700 entries from the public since submissions opened in February. The Chinese characters for Jia Jia convey a message of support - 'add oil' in Cantonese - and are pronounced the same as the words 'home' and 'auspices' in Mandarin, the park said. 'Younger Brother' has been named De De, after the Chinese word meaning 'success'. De shares the same pronunciation as the Mandarin and Cantonese pronunciation for 'virtue'. Jia Jia is also the English name of another panda who lived at Ocean Park until her death in 2016, although the Chinese characters for the name of 'Elder Sister' are different. Hong Kong's giant panda Ying Ying makes history as oldest first-time mum Ocean Park's chairman, Paulo Pong Kin-yee, said visitor numbers and revenue had increased during the Easter and Labour Day holidays. 'What's worth noting is that the per-cap spending has also increased,' he said. 'We feel that this will continue well into the summer.' He added that the park had benefited from increased exposure and intellectual property fees brought in by the Panda Friends series' product sales. 'It's been a very good first half of the year for the park,' he said. The panda twin cubs made their public debut on February 16. Photo: Eugene Lee Pong also noted that exclusive VIP tours, which allowed visitors to see the twin cubs, generated more than HK$2 million (US$255,177) in March and April. The tours, which cost HK$1,500 per person, provided visitors early access to the facilities and a half-hour to capture pictures of the cubs. Ocean Park earlier said that the nicknames 'Elder Sister' and 'Younger Brother' would remain, while the Mandarin pinyin of the selected Chinese names would be adopted as the English names. Pong said that the cubs already weighed more than 21kg (46lbs) and visitors no longer had to be separated by a glass panel when visiting them in their new enclosure. The enclosure will be open from 10am to 4.30pm daily starting on Wednesday for visitors to catch the twins together with their mother. Hong Kong's Golden Week draws mainland tourists with pandas and bun festival The twins' father, Le Le, is housed at the Giant Panda Adventure but separate from Ying Ying and the twins, in line with their natural solitary behaviour, according to Ocean Park. The cubs have been drawing fans to the enclosure every day since they made their public debut on February 16, six months after they were born on August 15 last year. Ying Ying became the oldest first-time panda mother in captivity when she gave birth to the cubs. The journey to parenthood for Ying Ying and Le Le took more than 10 years, with multiple phantom pregnancies and miscarriages.
