Doctors warned yesterday of possible health implications of Ocean Park's offer of 'hands-on experience' with exotic reptiles, insects and amphibians.
The president of the Hong Kong Medical Association, Choi Kin, advised that Ocean Park should make sure it has the means to handle any cases of 'phobia or panic' if children are frightened by the creatures.
And Dr Choi called for appropriate measures to ensure good standards of hygiene.
While Ocean Park allowed children to handle creatures with their bare hands during yesterday's press preview, he suggested visitors should wear disposable gloves when handling animals, and wash their hands with alcohol glycerol before and after to guard against the possible spread of bacteria.
Dr Choi also warned that 'extreme caution' must be exercised in the instance of scratches and bites from the creatures, as bacteria in open wounds can easily lead to cellulitis - infection of the skin. 'Wounds must be cleaned immediately and treated with antiseptic.'
