Hong Kong's giant pandas Jia Jia and De De inspire hopes for tourism boost

In August 2023, Hong Kong welcomed the birth of its first locally born giant pandas, a significant event that generated excitement among residents and visitors alike. The twin cubs were named Jia Jia and De De during a ceremony held at Ocean Park, where they are housed with their parents and two other pandas that were brought from mainland China in the previous year. The selection of their names followed a public contest that attracted over 35,700 entries, indicating the high level of interest in the pandas and their significance to the community. Jia Jia, which means 'Elder Sister,' captures the essence of family and auspiciousness, while De De, or 'Little Brother,' carries meanings of success and virtue, aligning with traditional values cherished in Chinese culture. The naming of the pandas also ties into the cultural identity of Hong Kong, as their names were chosen to resonate with Cantonese pronunciation, reflecting the traditions and languages of the local population. The introduction of the cubs and their subsequent popularity has sparked hopes for an economic resurgence through increased tourism, particularly as politicians have branded this potential growth as the 'panda economy.' This raises questions about the sustainability of housing the pandas, which can be expensive, especially given Ocean Park's reported financial deficits of HK$71.6 million ($9.2 million) in the past financial year. However, there are indicators of optimism, with the park noting a substantial surge in visitor numbers and income during holiday periods, suggesting that the panda twins may play a crucial role in revitalizing interest in Ocean Park and enhancing the overall economic prospects of the region.