Asia-Pacific Quick Takes: Ocean Park Hong Kong’s Pandas; Chinese Water Park Manufacturer and Malay Theming Company Partner

Excitement Builds for Hong Kong Pandas

Sociologists have predicted that COVID-19 lockdowns could result in a baby boom later this year, and the same predictions may apply to a famous Hong Kong animal couple.

For the first time in a decade, Ocean Park Hong Kong’s giant pandas have mated, which is special because female pandas are fertile for less than four days a year. 2020 is believed to be the first time 14-year-old pandas Ying Ying and Le Le have attempted to mate since 2010. 

With Ocean Park Hong Kong closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, professional caregivers observed Ying Ying spending more time playing in the water feature inside her habitat, while Le Le left scent markings around his habitat and then began searching the area for Ying Ying’s scent.

“The successful natural mating process is extremely exciting for all of us. The chance of pregnancy via natural mating is higher than by artificial insemination,” says Michael Boos, Ocean Park Hong Kong’s executive director of zoological operations and conservation.

As of publication time, it’s still unknown whether Ying Ying is indeed pregnant. 

If mating doesn’t happen during the four days a year when a female panda becomes fertile, panda couples will need to wait a full year for another chance.

Chinese-Malay Companies Partner

One of China’s largest water park vendors and a Malaysian attractions company known for its “low-tech, high-fun blueprint” are teaming up to expand their footprint across Southeast Asia and China.

China’s Guangzhou Daxin Water Park Equipment Co. Ltd.—which designs, builds, and provides equipment supplies to water parks—will leverage Malaysia-based Sim Leisure’s brand to secure theme park design and building contracts. Under the terms of the deal, Guangzhou Daxin will pay a 5% royalty fee to a Sim Leisure subsidiary.

“We see an increasing demand for world-class design and execution of theme parks in China,” explains Guangzhou Daxin CEO Wilson Wu, who says the international partnership will provide his company with a competitive advantage.

“I have put in blood, sweat, and tears over the decades to build this business … and have waited for the right moment to enter China and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market,” adds Sim Choo Kheng, Sim Leisure founder and chief executive. “We are ready for the next stage of growth with our new partner.”