As Hong Kong's panda cubs approach their 100th day on November 24, 2024, Ocean Park is gearing up to celebrate this milestone with special events. Notably, the father panda, Le Le, will be making his first public appearance since August, adding excitement to the occasion [b7243db4]. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, is keen on developing panda-themed intellectual property to capitalize on the growing interest in these beloved animals [b7243db4].
The chairman of Ocean Park, Paulo Pong Kin-yee, has proposed creating cartoons and documentaries centered around the pandas to further engage the public and enhance the park's offerings [b7243db4]. This initiative follows the successful branding strategies employed by the Chengdu Research Base, which has registered trademarks for its panda twins, He Hua and He Ye. These efforts have attracted around 60,000 daily visitors, with He Hua generating approximately 1,075 yuan (US$148) per visitor [b7243db4].
In a broader context, the panda economy is thriving in Asia, with South Korea's Everland having trademarked 'Bao Family' for panda merchandise, while Taiwanese authorities trademarked Yuan Zai in 2013 for commercial use [b7243db4]. The growing trend of panda-themed products and media reflects a significant opportunity for Hong Kong to enhance its tourism and economy through its own panda attractions, especially as the public eagerly anticipates the introduction of the new cubs at Ocean Park [3c66c829].
As of October 26, 2024, the panda cubs have shown remarkable growth, with the Elder Sister weighing 2.7 kg and the Little Brother at 2.54 kg. Their personalities are becoming more pronounced, with the Elder Sister being gentler and the Little Brother more vocal [3c66c829]. The cubs are expected to meet the public around the Lunar New Year in 2025, which aligns with the park's plans to maximize visitor engagement during peak tourism periods [3c66c829].