ENG-2009 — Page 486

406 Recreation, Sport and the Arts

in 1871, houses mammalian and reptilian exhibits. The botanical section is largely in the eastern garden.

Despite the urban surroundings, the gardens provide a viable conservation centre for endangered species. Fourteen endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles lived there in 2009. The bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, comprising about 380 birds of 130 species. Fifteen of these species have reared offspring. The mammal collection consists of 70 animals of 17 species, mainly primates.

More than 900 species of trees, shrubs, creepers and foliage plants thrive in the gardens. The medicinal plant collection established in 1987 and a greenhouse built in 1993 have generated particular 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 on the site of the former military barracks in Central and occupies 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 vantage point for viewing the city, an Olympic Square, squash centre, sports centre, children's playground and restaurant. The aviary is designed to resemble a tropical rainforest in which about 600 birds of 80 different species are kept, including hornbills and pelicans. Some bird species, notably the Java Sparrow, Bali Mynah and Rainbow Lorikeet successfully reared broods during the year.

The conservatory has three sections: the 'Display Plant House', 'Dry Plant House' and 'Humid Plant House'. Adjustable environmental control equipment is installed in these to simulate different climatic conditions for plants from arid regions and tropical environments.

The Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games Gallery occupies the second floor of the sports centre, which has been opened to the public since October 2005. The exhibits gallery tells the story of the Olympic movement from its beginnings in ancient Greece, with special emphasis on Hong Kong's participation and achievements in sports. Other exhibits include Olympic torches and medals from past games and models of some of the venues for staging the Hong Kong 2009 EAG competitions.

Outward Bound Hong Kong

Outward Bound Hong Kong is a registered charity established in 1970. It is a member of Outward Bound International, the world leader and originator of outdoor experiential education, operating in about 50 schools in more than 30 countries.