Hong Kong is set to give a grand welcome to two giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, gifted by the Chinese government in celebration of 75 years of Communist Party rule. This momentous occasion, planned for Thursday, includes a vibrant ceremony intended to boost civic pride and patriotism in the city.

The five-year-old pandas are scheduled to arrive at Hong Kong International Airport shortly after noon and will be met with an elaborate welcoming ceremony. However, for eager fans wishing to see the new stars, there is a catch: the pandas will need to undergo a 30-day quarantine period in the southern Chinese city before making their public debut.

In a show of VIP treatment, elite police motorcyclists will escort An An and Ke Ke to their new home at Ocean Park, where they will join four other pandas. The pandas journeyed from a breeding center located in Sichuan province, and their transportation was carefully coordinated. Staff began preparations as early as 2 a.m. to ensure their safe transit for the 840-mile trek, utilizing forklifts to load the pandas into crates along with their favorite snacks.

Ocean Park had taken proactive steps to ensure the pandas feel at home. A keeper from the park flew to Chengdu in July to familiarize them with his scent and voice. In addition, the staff introduced bamboo sourced from southern China into their diet, preparing them for their new habitat.

Speaking at a press conference, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee described An An as a “strong, nimble, and clever” male weighing around 130 kilograms, while Ke Ke, the “gentle and cute” female, tips the scales at 100 kilograms.

With this new addition, the total number of pandas in Hong Kong rises to six, including Le Le and Ying Ying, who were previously gifted to the city in 2007. Notably, Ying Ying made headlines earlier this year by giving birth to twins, an impressive feat that made her the oldest first-time panda mother.

This gift of pandas carries significant political weight, feeding into the broader narrative of “panda diplomacy.” China has been known to loan pandas to various countries as a symbol of goodwill and an indicator of diplomatic relations. An An and Ke Ke's arrival coincides with a renewed push by Hong Kong officials to promote the anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and foster a sense of loyalty amidst a backdrop of civil unrest in recent years.

In a stirring expression of gratitude, Lee acknowledged the Chinese government's support in gifting these beloved animals. The backdrop of this celebration is significant—the anniversary on October 1 follows a tumultuous three years where protests for democracy in Hong Kong were met with heavy crackdowns under a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.

The arrival of the pandas comes as various patriotic events unfold in the city, including illuminated displays of Chinese flags and promotional billboards celebrating the anniversary. A grand fireworks show is also in the works, promising to add spectacle to the ongoing festivities. Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong's Minister for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, expressed hopes that the pandas’ presence would enhance the local sentiment towards the central government.

As citizens await their introduction, one thing is clear: the eyes of the world will be on Hong Kong, where the gentle giants represent both wildlife conservation efforts and the intricate dance of political diplomacy. Don't miss out on the latest updates—Hong Kong’s panda magic is just beginning!