A new pavilion to house all six of Hong Kong’s giant pandas will be erected next year at Ocean Park, management announced on Tuesday. The park, located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, will also build a marine mammal conservation center.
The two facilities are part of a broader push to combine conservation, education and entertainment as the iconic park marks its 50th anniversary.
The panda pavilion is expected to open in the third quarter of 2027. An elevated observation deck will be installed inside the facility, allowing staff to better observe the pandas while visitors watch caregiving activities.
The marine mammal conservation center, scheduled to open in January, will display the complete skeleton of the eight-meter Bryde’s whale that died after getting stranded in Sai Kung in 2023, aiming to raise public awareness of the dangers facing marine animals. The center will also feature immersive activities to help visitors understand the importance of marine conservation.
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At a kick-off ceremony for the park’s 50th anniversary celebration, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said Ocean Park has achieved encouraging results in animal care and conservation over the years, and the HKSAR government will continue to support the park’s efforts.
She said Hong Kong’s first five-year plan proposes developing Ocean Park into a conservation research and education base.
“The park will launch more activities focused on the conservation of giant pandas and other animals, bringing the park’s wealth of knowledge and experience to schools and the community,” Law said.
“The park will also continue to upgrade its recreational facilities, including the planning and construction of a brand-new mountain adventure-themed area, to further enhance the visitor experience.”
Paulo Pong Kin-yee, chairman to the Board of Ocean Park Corp, said the park will closely collaborate with the government's five-year plan and other long-term development blueprints, further enhancing its role as a hub for conservation and education and assisting Hong Kong in exerting greater international influence in the fields of ecological conservation and education.
Ocean Park’s program of anniversary celebrations will also include collaborations with more than 50 local original IPs; the characters will appear at different locations across the park to meet visitors, with the first phase beginning in December and the second phase starting mid-2027.
The park is also inviting the public to submit old photos or written memories from past visits. Some of the submissions may be used as the basis for a 50th anniversary promotional film or displayed on the park’s website. Selected participants will receive Ocean Park annual passes or admission tickets.
Opened in January 1977, Ocean Park has since grown into a major attraction. It recorded 3.46 million visits during the 2024-25 fiscal year.
