A set of commemorative stamps featuring the city’s first-ever locally born giant panda twins Jia Jia and De De, formerly known as Elder Sister and Little Brother, will debut on Aug 15, with its official first day cover going on sale this Friday.

The stamps, issued by Hongkong Post, comprise a set of six of HK$23.6 ($3), two stamp sheetlets of HK$10 and HK$20, and other related collectibles, depicting key moments in the cubs’ early lives.

First day covers will be available from August 1 at all post offices and the online shopping mall ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk).

August 15 marks the first birthday of the pigeon pair cubs. They were born to Ying Ying and Le Le, two giant pandas gifted by the Central Government in 2007, with Ying Ying becoming the world’s oldest first-time mother among giant pandas.

The cubs’ birth has captured the public’s imagination, generating widespread attention over the cubs’ progress since their historic arrival. The twins were officially named Jia Jia and De De on May 27, further endearing them to Hong Kong residents.

Their birth is especially significant as it helps advance conservation and breeding efforts for giant pandas in Hong Kong.

A commemorative “Giant Panda Twin Cubs” cachet will be offered for stamping by members of the public at all post offices from Aug 15, until further notice.

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In addition, a date-stamping service will be provided on the same day at all post offices for official first day covers, souvenir covers, and privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.

Official first day covers are available without purchase limits, while each customer may buy up to five sheets of other special stamps and related products per day during the first two days of issue.

Huang Yawen contributed to the story.