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(8 September 2008 – Hong Kong) Senior representatives from Ocean Park and its conservation arm, the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong were in Sichuan last week to present 11 pick up trucks and 20 sets of computers and digital cameras to the Sichuan Forestry Department. The items were purchased with RMB$1.18 million raised by the “Giant Panda Base Rebuilding Fund”, set up earlier to expedite recovery works for 12 giant panda nature reserves in Sichuan Province that were devastated by the May earthquake. This is the second donation following a RMB 1 million in June to buy emergency relief materials.
Ocean Park Deputy Chief Executive and Trustee of OPCFHK, Matthias Li, together with OPCFHK Director, Suzanne Gendron and Deputy Director Timothy Ng, respectively, visited the Sichuan Bai Shuihe Panda Nature Reserve to learn about the recovery efforts being made, and to hand over the relief equipment to Dai Baiyang, Deputy Director of the Sichuan Forestry Department. Mr Li said, “Ocean Park Hong Kong is the appointed caregiver to four giant pandas, national treasures of China, and we care deeply about our peers working at the panda research centres and reserves, as well as the 1,000 giant pandas inhabiting the reserves, that have been affected by the earthquake. The RMB$1.18 million was raised earlier by working with the Hong Kong Post to sell specially created commemorative Giant Panda Stamps which included a Giant Panda Paw Print. We will maintain close contact with the Sichuan Forestry Department to facilitate and plan for their continuous recovery efforts.”
Shortly after the earthquake, the staff of Ocean Park raised and donated HK$1 million to the Hong Kong Red Cross China Relief Fund. In June, OPCFHK donated RMB $1 million to buy emergency relief supplies, such as modular houses, sleeping bags, water purifying tablets, and more, for distribution to the Wolong Panda Research Centre and other panda reserves in Sichuan. The Foundation at that time also set up the “Giant Panda Base Rebuilding Fund” to raise money to help rebuild the panda reserve areas.
In August, OPCFHK celebrated the birthdays of Ocean Park’s two toddler Giant Pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le with park guests signing a giant birthday card and as birthday gifts, donating further to the Giant Panda Base Rebuilding Fund.
OPCFHK’s Ms Gendron said, “We are thankful to all who have donated to the “Giant Panda Base Rebuilding Fund.” The damage caused by the earthquake is extensive, and further resources will still needed. We appeal to more people to come forward to support our efforts. In December, OPCFHK will hold a Charity Dinner to raise additional funds. Please lend us a hand and book a table or two now!”
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About Ocean Park
Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s unique homegrown theme park with a heritage of delivering family fun and fond memories. Since its opening in January 1977 as a non-profit organisation, Ocean Park has developed itself to be a world-class attraction connecting people with nature, and recognised for its animal husbandry, research and relationship with the community. Over 90 million people have visited Hong Kong's premier park since its inception and Ocean Park has remained committed to offering adults and children experiences that blend entertainment with education and conservation. Part of the proceeds from the Ocean Park admission tickets and some retail items will go to Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong to support its wildlife conservation projects.
About Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong
Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) was established as an independent charity organization, aiming to advocate and participate in the conservation of Asian wildlife and its habitats. Through research and education, we hope to ensure the sustainability of wildlife and biodiversity in Asia. As the conservation arm of Ocean Park, OPCFHK has funded over 180 research projects since establishment, expanding its conservation efforts from whales, dolphins and giant pandas to other species like seahorse, red panda and coral. We also endeavour to inspire young people by organizing school programme for secondary and primary students, as well as giving them the opportunities for field work under the “University Student Sponsorship Programme in Wildlife Conservation”. After the earthquake in Sichuan, OPCFHK set up the “Giant Panda Base Rebuilding Fund” and donated modular houses, camping equipment, water purifying tablets and generators to the affected nature reserve. We need your support to sustain our efforts. Please show your support and log on to our website www.opcf.org.hk for online donation.
