Visitors to Ocean Park will have a chance to cuddle up to creepy crawlies when it unveils a radical new string of attractions in an initiative to outdo rival theme park Disneyland.
The 'Animal Close Encounters' attraction, which will run from April 14 to May 7, focuses on wildlife conservation and education and showcases more than 50 exotic species, including mantises, tarantulas and chameleons, which guests will be able to see and even touch in the 'Rainforest Exploration' trail.
Among the new park residents is a Malay reddish brown tarantula, Coremiocnemis valida, which is covered in shiny hairs and can grow up to 15 centimetres in length.
Over half of these animals have been especially imported for the attraction.
Park chief executive Tom Mehrmann said the primary aim of the new attraction was to connect people with nature and promote wildlife conservation among children, something that had always been one of the park's goals. 'This is exactly what we are,' he said. 'Our vision has never wavered.'
In an opening ceremony for the new attractions, a group of more than 30 'Little Animal Ambassadors' made a pledge of 'love for animals, and love for Ocean Park Hong Kong'. The park is hoping to elicit similar loyalty pledges from all Hong Kong children.
