ENG-2004 — Page 522

452 Recreation, Sport and the Arts

As sharks are occasionally sighted in Hong Kong waters, shark prevention nets have been installed for the safety of swimmers at 30 of the more popular and more accessible beaches.

All public bathing beaches under the management of the LCSD will normally be closed in winter. However, lifeguard services are still provided at Clear Water Bay 2nd Beach, Golden Beach and Silverstrand Beach in the New Territories from 8 am to 5 pm from November to March and at Deep Water Bay Beach from 8 am to 5 pm from December to February. Shark prevention nets are also retained at these beaches when they are open.

Parks Managed by LCSD

The LCSD manages more than 1 352 parks and gardens of various sizes, including 22 major parks.

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the oldest public gardens in Hong Kong, occupy a total area of 5.6 hectares that overlooks Central. The gardens. were established between 1861 and 1871. Divided by Albany Road, the eastern garden houses an extensive bird collection while the western garden, opened in 1871, is home to mammal and reptile exhibits. The botanical section is mainly in the eastern garden.

Despite the urban environment, the gardens provide a viable conservation centre for endangered species, and in 2004 accommodated 17 endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, with over 450 birds of 160 species. Fifteen of these species have reared offspring. The mammal collection, which specialises in primates, has 65 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 relatively new greenhouse 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

Hong Kong Park, covering an area of about eight hectares, is situated on the site of a former military barracks in Central. 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