Crown is pleased to announce its role in the delivery of some very precious cargo, from mainland China to southern district of Hong Kong Island.

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule, China has bestowed the gift of two young pandas to Hong Kong to be unveiled to the public on July 1, 2007. Crown was responsible for transporting these national treasures on April 26 to their new home, the Ocean Park amusement park located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island.

Jim Thompson, Crown Worldwide Chairman, expressed his delight, "We are greatly honored to be chosen to transport the two new 'superstars' from China to their new home in Hong Kong. These adorable pandas will bring joy and happiness to the people of Hong Kong and all who visit Ocean Park for many years to come."

The giant pandas were born in August 2005 at the China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Pandas in Wolong, Sichuan. They arrived at their new home on April 26, and the public will get to see them-as well as An An and Jia Jia, two giant pandas living at Ocean Park since 1999-at Ocean Park beginning July 1, the day marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR Government.

Crown Hong Kong's "Official" Panda Movers!

Dr. Allan Zeman, Ocean Park Chairman remarked, "As the entrusted carer for An An and Jia Jia, presented as gifts to the Hong Kong people in 1999, Ocean Park has had a long-standing partnership with Wolong. Together, we can strengthen our efforts in the care and preservation of the giant pandas, as well as the conservation of their habitats, and the development of the surrounding community."

With pandas in town, Crown receives a police escort to Ocean Park.

The announcement of the gift has created a stir of excitement among the people of Hong Kong and China. Along with their overall shyness and distinct characteristics, pandas are recognized around the world as agents of diplomacy and have been offered as gifts by the People's Republic of China to many countries over the years.

In a contest sponsored by the Hong Kong Home Affairs Department, the two pandas, previously known only by numbers, were given new names upon arrival in Hong Kong. Le Le, which means happiness, is the name of the male panda while Ying Ying, which means fullness and blossom, is the name of the female panda.

"If they successfully produce a baby panda one day it will be one of Hong Kong's most exciting and historical moments," said Jim.

Welcome to Hong Kong, Ying Ying and Le Le. Crown is happy to have helped get you to Ocean Park!

Crown recently distributed a press release on the Panda move, which can be read at here.

For more on Ocean Park or to make a donation to the Ocean Park Conservation Fund, visit their website at www.oceanpark.com.hk.