Recreation, Sport and the Arts | 419
Parks Managed by LCSD
The LCSD manages 1 539 parks and gardens of different sizes, including 25 major parks.
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the oldest public garden in Hong Kong, occupy an area of 5.6 hectares, overlooking the Central District of Hong Kong. It was developed between 1861 and 1871. Albany Road runs through the eastern garden, which is home to an extensive collection of birds, while the western garden, opened in 1871, houses mammalian and reptilian exhibits. The botanical section is largely in the eastern side of the garden.
Despite the urban surroundings, the garden provides a conservation centre for endangered species. Twelve endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles lived there in 2011. The bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, comprising about 360 birds of 80 species. The mammal collection consists of about 60 animals of 14 species, mainly primates.
More than 900 species of trees, shrubs, creepers and foliage plants thrive in the garden. The medicinal plant collection established in 1986 and a greenhouse built in 1993 have helped to promote public interest in 500 or more species of herbs, orchids, ferns and indoor plants. A new education and exhibition centre was completed in 2008 to provide teaching facilities for participants in guided visits and for the display of botanical and zoological specimens.
Hong Kong Park
Opened in 1991, Hong Kong Park is located at the former military barracks in Central District, occupying an area of about eight hectares. The park, which blends. modern design into the natural landscape, features flowing water as its central motif and has artificial waterfalls, streams and ponds.
Major facilities in the park include an aviary, a conservatory, a point for viewing the city, an Olympic Square, a squash centre, a sports centre, a children's playground and a restaurant. The aviary resembles a tropical rainforest in which about 600 birds of 80 different species are kept, including hornbills and pelicans. In 2011, seven bird species in the aviary reared offspring. The conservatory has three sections: the 'Display Plant House', 'Dry Plant House' and 'Humid Plant House'. Adjustable environmental control equipment is installed in these houses to simulate different climatic conditions for plants from arid regions and tropical environments. An orchid show was held at the Display Plant House from July to November 2011. Over 100 potted orchids were displayed.
Outward Bound Hong Kong
Outward Bound Hong Kong (OBHK) established in 1970, is a member of Outward Bound International, founded in the UK in 1940, the world leader and originator of experiential education, operating 50 schools in over 30 countries worldwide. OBHK provides local people with personal development programmes to