Pandas set to arrive in Hong Kong in late September via Cathay Pacific cargo services
- Two separate sources say the pandas are tentatively scheduled to arrive around September 26 but will have to undergo quarantine after arriving
One source said the pandas, and their veterinary team, would be subject to 30 days of quarantine ahead of their departure from Sichuan province.
They will go through another round of about 30 days’ quarantine once they arrive in Hong Kong, and will also be allowed to rest and adapt to their new home at Ocean Park in Southern district.
“The goal is to bring the pandas into Hong Kong by the end of September,” one of the sources said.
Multiple sources confirmed it would be “impossible” for the pandas to meet the public by National Day on October 1.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, along with a delegation that included tourism chief Kevin Yeung Yun-hung and Ocean Park chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee, visited Sichuan in July to coordinate arrangements for the pandas’ arrival.