Meet the oldest panda in the world and feed the penguins!

I am a big fan of Kung Fu Panda. Po, the star of the film, a giant panda has captivated the imagination of millions around the world. But only a few have got a chance to see a panda in the wild life. Recently, I joined that list of a privileged few when I made a trip to the fantastic Ocean Park resort in Hong Kong. Not only did I get to see the oldest Panda in the world (her name is Jia Jia and she’s over 30 years old), but I also got to play with penguins. You can do all this and more at Asia’s biggest and most friendly animal conservation resort situated in Old Hong Kong. 

Gone are the days when watching wild animals at close quarters meant going to the local zoo. World over animal conservationists have realised the importance of creating habitats and giving people an opportunity to watch rare species of animals in their natural settings. The Ocean Park resort in Hong Kong is a great example of providing entertainment along with educating the visitor on topics like marine life and the challenges they face, eco-preservation, recycling and also providing special modules for school children who can learn about their local wildlife at an early age. My experience at the resort was not only an eye opener but also an understanding of how little we know about our planet.

Fishy tales

What you read and watch about Ocean Park on the Internet is unlike the actual experience. The minute you step onto the property you are welcomed into a different world. Unlike regular theme parks, this one has a story to tell. Every corner and nook of the park, including benches, souvenir shops and eating places have sign boards with some trivia about the species displayed at the resort. I spent the first day exploring the marine life showcased at the walk in aquarium which is a giant enclosure spanning miles. Here you can stop and touch a star fish with the help of a guide who will talk to you about the myths surrounding these elusive creatures. Along the way you get to watch exotic fishes, some odd looking slimy amphibians, and finally get to watch huge Hammerhead Sharks swimming right over your head. 

To do: You need to grab lunch at the theme restaurant adjoining the aquarium where you can order food next to a giant window that has sharks, sting rays, turtles and other fishes swimming freely. What a sight!

Panda Playtime

This was the moment I had been waiting for! Sorry penguins, but I choose furry cute pandas over you! Ocean Park is home to four pandas (Jia Jia is one of them). She’s even given birth to around six cubs, some of which have been relocated to other zoos in China. When you learn that she’s outlived her natural life span, you have more respect for this gentle creature. Her companion in An An, a male panda, is in the next enclosure. Pandas are solitary animals. Both decided to stay in their cages away from the glass enclosure. Just when I thought it wasn’t my lucky day, we were taken to the other area where we met the young Pandas Ying Ying and Le Le. These two adorable goofballs were much younger and full of life. Like the penguin enclosure, the panda programme also lets you feed these animals and click photos with them. I offered Ying Ying a fruit kebab (a bamboo shoot full of apple, pear and pineapple bits), which she happily gulped down. This was truly a special moment. 

To do: This is a very popular programme, so make you sure you book early to get a chance and feed a panda.

Feed the penguins!

The penguin enclosure is a major attraction at the resort. After all, there are only few places in the world that have varieties of penguins in the same enclosure. If you have watched these black and white wobbly birds on TV then touching in person will be a major highlight of your trip to Ocean Park. The penguin exhibit is a giant space that has over three different types of penguins living in close proximity with each other. If watching them through the glass isn’t satisfying then you can participate in the animal encounter programme where you get to feed and touch them. This experience was quite a task (you need to sanitise yourself, remove every bit of metal from the body, wear layers of warm clothing and maintain silence), but absolutely worth it.  

To do: Do not miss being part of the penguin feeding programme. You can also take a photo with one of the birds (provided they are in the mood to pose!).

Australia in Hong Kong 

If you didn’t get the time to plan a trip to Australia, worry not! The Ocean Park resort in Hong Kong is home to to some Australian wildlife. In fact there is an old Chinese Theatre that has been made into a home for these animals from Down Under. The enclosure has koalas, wallabies (distant cousin of the kangaroo) and a  Laughing Kookaburra. These species are specially found in Australia, so to watch them thousands of miles away in a different country. 

To do: After spending time here, head to the Old Hong Kong street and indulge in some local delicacies like fish cakes and pudding, yummy! 

Park with a purpose 

It’s heartening to visit a park that also participates in conservation and education. Every step that you take in Ocean Park serves as a reminder of how important it is to acknowledge issues like climate change, melting ice layers and deforestation. The park also contributes in the protection of endangered species found in and around Hong Kong. 
Be it a family trip with kids, or a vacation with your buddies or even 
a solo trip — a visit to the Ocean Park should be on your must-do list.

How to get there

To Hong Kong

Direct and connecting flights are available from different metros of India to Hong Kong. Indian nationals can enter Hong Kong, with a valid travel document, for a period up to 14 days without a visa. Visa or entry permit is required for those who wish to stay more than 14 days.

To Ocean Park

Visitors can access the park by City Bus, Taxi and private cars. The Citybus Route 629 runs daily from Admiralty MTR Station or Central (Star Ferry) to Ocean Park. The bus fares are HK$10.6 for adults and HK$5.3 for children (aged 4-11). One can also take a taxi to the park. Parking facility is available for private cars.