Sixty endangered green sea turtles artificially hatched after their eggs were found on a Sai Kung beach last year will probably be freed next month.
But while freeing wild creatures symbolises good fortune in Chinese tradition, an agriculture official insists the timing of the release has nothing to do with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the handover.
Cheung Ka-shing, wetland and fauna conservation officer with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, said it was prompted by water conditions.
'Water currents will be strong from July,' Mr Cheung said. 'It is a golden chance for the turtles to swim with the stream.'
The turtles, hatched from eggs laid on a beach at Tai Long Wan in September, will be freed in batches from different positions on the beach. Releasing them all at once could attract predators.
Mr Cheung could not give a firm date for the release.
'It all depends on the weather, water flow and health of the turtles. We have to make sure they are physically healthy before freeing them. If the situation is not suitable, they may not be freed in July,' Mr Cheung said.