HONG KONG — In a delightful early Christmas celebration, two five-year-old pandas, An An and Ke Ke, enjoyed special treats in a Hong Kong park, charming attendees with their antics on Monday.

An An, the male panda, was given an ice slab adorned with the words “Merry Christmas” crafted from sweet potato and carrots, while his female counterpart, Ke Ke, received a festive snowman decorated with carrot and apple slices during a special event designed for visitors awaiting their arrival.
The pandas were sent from China to Hong Kong in late September as part of an initiative aimed at boosting tourism in the region. After a two-month quarantine, they finally made their public debut at Ocean Park, joining four other pandas and captivating the hearts of excited guests.
An An has been characterized as lively and smart, while Ke Ke is praised for her gentle disposition and impressive climbing abilities.
Considered an unofficial national symbol of China, pandas are native to the southwest region and face threats due to habitat loss from development. The Chinese government actively engages in breeding programs to help sustain the panda population. Additionally, through an international loan program, these beloved animals are sent to zoos around the world, serving as a part of China’s soft power initiatives.
Ocean Park has played a significant role in panda conservation efforts since 1999, when it first welcomed a pair of pandas, An An and Jia Jia, to the city shortly after Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty.