Just when you think the ‘pandamania’ is slowly calming down in the city, Ocean Park is ramping up the excitement once again with an announcement of the official names for Hong Kong’s beloved panda twin cubs! Here’s what you need to know about the newly named pair.
What are the names of the giant panda twins in Hong Kong?
On August 15, 2024, the city’s beloved giant panda Ying Ying became the oldest first-time giant panda mum on record, having given birth to two twin panda cubs – affectionately nicknamed ‘Elder Sister’ and ‘Little Brother’ just a day before her 19th birthday.
‘Elder sister’ is now named Jia Jia, while De De is the official name for ‘Little Brother’!
The meaning of Jia Jia and De De
Jia Jia (加加) uses the Chinese character '加' to convey the message of support, like the common Chinglish phrase 'add oil' (加油). The word 'jia' is also a homophone for the Chinese characters '家', meaning home, and '嘉', meaning auspices, in both Cantonese and Putonghua. 'Jia' also features an element of family, embodying the prosperity of families as well as the happiness of the people.
Meanwhile, De De (得得) means 'to succeed', symbolising that the city will be successful in everything we do. 'De' is also a homophone for the Chinese character for 'virtue' (德) in Cantonese and Putonghua, suggesting that the giant pandas, our national treasures, possess the virtues cherished by Chinese folks.
How were the names Jia Jia and De De chosen?
Out of 35,7000 entries in a contest run by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and Ocean Park, the judging panel – comprised of representatives from CSTB, the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, OPC, and prominent social figures – chose the most meaningful and creative names that they felt best represent the young and lively characteristics of the giant panda cubs.
The winner of the naming competition will receive:
- Ocean Park annual membership for four adults (valued at $5,520)
- ‘Elder Sister’ and ‘Little Brother’ giant panda baby plush (valued at $6,576)
- Ocean Park F&B vouchers (valued at $2,000)
- Chow Tai Fook gift voucher (valued at $8,000)
Eight other lucky winners will also get their hands on the Merit Prize, which has:
- Ocean Park annual membership for two adults (valued at $2,760)
- Giant panda souvenirs (valued at $1,000)
- Ocean Park F&B vouchers (valued at $1,000)
Visit 'Jia Jia' and 'De De' at Ocean Park Hong Kong
You can now see Jia Jia and De De at Ocean Park’s Giant Panda Adventure, open daily from 10am to 4.30pm. The opening hours are subject to change, so do check for the latest updates on the park’s website before you go.
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