RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS
over 500 birds of 177 species. Fifteen of these species have reared offspring. The mammal collection, which specialises in primates, has 63 animals representing 20 species. More than 750 species of trees, shrubs, creepers and foliage plants thrive in the gardens. The medicinal plant collection established in 1987 and a new greenhouse built in 1993 have generated particular interest. These facilities contain about 500 species of herbs, orchids, ferns and indoor plants. There are continuing programmes for upgrading the animal enclosures and facilities in the gardens.
Hong Kong Park
Opened in 1991, the Hong Kong Park is situated on the site of a former military barracks in Central covering an area of about eight hectares. With the blending of modern design into the natural landscape as its main characteristic, the park also features flowing water, which is the thematic motif. Artificial waterfalls, streams and ponds adorn the park, integrating the varying scenery into a harmonious combination.
Major facilities in the park include an aviary, conservatory, vantage point, garden plaza, squash centre, sports centre, children's playground and a restaurant. The aviary is designed to imitate a tropical rain forest environment in which over 700 birds of 100 different species are kept. The conservatory comprises three parts: Humid Plant House, Dry Plant House and Display Plant House. Adjustable environmental control equipment is installed in these houses to simulate climatic conditions in areas such as tropical rain forests and deserts. The vantage point is a 30-metre tower from which visitors can have a panoramic view of the park and the surrounding area.
Apart from enjoying the passive recreation facilities of the park, visitors can also use the facilities in the sports centre and the squash centre.
Ocean Park
Ocean Park, situated on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, is one of the world's premier sea life and animal theme parks, covering more than 87 hectares of land. Operated by the Ocean Park Corporation - a statutory board it is a not-for-profit organisation providing elements of entertainment and education.
Over three million people visit Ocean Park each year. Residents of Hong Kong as well as tourists enjoy the park's facilities and services. With 26 years of history, Ocean Park has established itself as one of the major tourist attractions in Hong Kong and Asia. Apart from entertainment through thrill rides and a wide variety of shows, the park prides itself on its education and conservation programmes. Over 30 000 school children in Hong Kong visit the park each year and learn about animals through structured programmes and behind-the-scenes tours.
The park's research activities on marine mammals and artificial insemination have also produced the world's first successful births of two Pacific Bottle Nose dolphins conceived through artificial insemination in May and June 2001. Among the animals at the park are two giant pandas, An An and Jia Jia, which the Central People's Government presented to Hong Kong in 1999. Both have adapted well in their Giant Panda Habitat. The park was awarded an accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in 2002, making it the first animal facility in Asia to achieve a world-class status among an elite group of internationally acclaimed zoos and aquariums.
425