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Recreation, Sport and the Arts

conservation centre for endangered species. Thirteen endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles lived there in 2012. The bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, comprising about 350 birds of 70 species. The mammal collection consists of about 70 animals of 17 species, mainly primates.

More than 900 species of trees, shrubs, creepers and foliage plants thrive in the garden. The medicinal plant collection and a greenhouse have helped to promote public interest in 500 or more species of herbs, orchids, ferns and indoor plants. An education and exhibition centre provides teaching facilities for participants in guided visits and for the display of botanical and zoological specimens.

Hong Kong Park

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. The park includes an aviary, a conservatory, a viewpoint, 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 2012, eight 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. A 'Herbs and Spices' show was held at the Display Plant House from April to November 2012. More than 580 plants of over 40 species and nearly 20 kinds of products were displayed.

Outward Bound Hong Kong

Outward Bound Hong Kong (OBHK) is a member of Outward Bound International, which was founded in the UK in 1940 and is the world leader and originator of experiential education, operating 50 schools in over 30 countries worldwide. OBHK was established in Hong Kong in 1970 to provide local people with personal development programmes to help them learn essential life skills and reach their maximum potential. OBHK is the first and only experiential education organisation in Asia to be accredited by the internationally renowned Association of Experiential Education.

Outward Bound's mission is 'to help people discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings. Courses are designed to foster confidence, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, creative thinking, problem-solving skills and social responsibility. The organisation uses challenges in the outdoors to help participants gain insights and skills that can be applied to work and real life situations. More than 8,000 people join OBHK's courses every year.

OBHK is based in Sai Kung, with headquarters at Tai Mong Tsai and an island base at Wong Wan Chau. They have a wide range of facilities and resources that include a 67-foot sail training yacht, the Spirit of Outward Bound, a world-class rope course as well as kayaks and ketches. All of OBHK's resources are checked regularly and maintained according to international safety standards.

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