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Hong Kong environmental issues
OpinionLetters

LettersWhy birth of panda twins in Hong Kong is not necessarily cause for celebration

  • Readers discuss the birth of panda cubs at Ocean Park, and a proposed amendment to a law protecting the harbour

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Ying Ying, the giant panda who gave birth to twin cubs last week, having a meal at Ocean Park on July 4. Photo: Elson Li
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I refer to the report, “Hong Kong’s Ying Ying gives birth to twins, becoming oldest first-time giant panda mum” (August 15).
The cancellation of the proposed orangutan-gifting programme in Malaysia serves as a reminder that the birth of panda twins is not necessarily a cause for celebration. Pandas are often treated as commodities, and these two newborns, should they survive, may never experience life outside captivity.
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Modern panda programmes, similar to other animal gifting initiatives globally, have had mixed outcomes. While they have been successful in drawing visitors to zoos and supporting various conservation efforts, they have often been detrimental to the pandas themselves, who endure repeated invasive procedures, forced pregnancies and the loss of their offspring.

It is crucial that these two pandas remain with their mother rather than being sent to foreign countries, where they may suffer from loneliness and isolation. Moreover, it is important to avoid using adult pandas as symbols in political or diplomatic contexts.

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While fostering international relations is important, it should not come at the expense of the well-being of animals involved in these programmes.

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