Action Asia Foundation raises over HK$26,000 for the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, HK from a successful Asia Miles Eco Action Asia event in October 2008.

Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) – the conservation arm of Ocean Park - celebrated its 14th annual Ocean Park Conservation Day on January 10th this year with the Conservation Day appealing for public support on the rebuilding of panda nature reserves in Sichuan, the pandas’ hometown.
 
To mark this meaningful event, Mrs. Carrie Lam, the Secretary for Development, Ms. Judy Chen, OPCFHK Chair, Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Ocean Park as well as Mr. Louis Koo, celebrity guest showed their active support by calling for action and gathering social support for the rebuilding of Sichuan’s nature reserves.  During the event, all honorable guests officiated the opening ceremony of the first-of-its-kind “Devastating Sichuan Earthquake: Wolong Nature Reserve Photo Exhibition”, a pictorial journey detailing the lives of pandas before and after the Sichuan earthquake. There are two sets of exhibition, one is held inside Ocean Park, and the other at public area outside Ocean Park.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our 14th annual Conservation Day and deeply appreciate the support of the Action Asia Foundation as it is these type of organizations that set an example of good will in the HK community by getting people to appreciate conservation and the environment in our backyard while fund raising at the same time," said Ms. Chen.

Suzanne Gendron the Executive Director of Zoological Operations & Education said “it’s a corporate social responsibility for all organizations to care about conservation and the environment and fantastic to see the Action Asia Foundation making such a generous donation to the Ocean Park Conservation Fund for HK$26,275”.

 “Last year, OPCFHK successfully funded a wide range of wildlife conservation and research projects. We count on the community’s support to sustain our conservation efforts,” said Ms. Chen.
 
“Giant panda is a flagship species and has always been in the heart of Hong Kong people. Our very own Le Le, Ying Ying, An An and Jia Jia are not only cuddly but each has its own personality, and we are very fortunate to be entrusted to offer them care,” said Dr. Zeman. “We gave OPCFHK 100% support to rebuild the homes of the many pandas in Sichuan, and will continue to support them throughout the years.
We hope all our guests at Ocean Park could join us making a difference to the wildlife in need.”

The date also marked the 32nd Anniversary of Ocean Park Corporation and Dr Zeman reiterated the corporation’s mission to provide guests with memorable experiences that combine entertainment and education, whilst inspiring life long learning and conservation involvement.

Mrs. Lam expressed gratitude to the support of OPCFHK in help rebuilding the panda nature reserve and co-organising with the Development Bureau a photo exhibition to enhance public awareness to the importance of the reconstruction works in Wolong.

The Devastating Sichuan Earthquake: Wolong Nature Reserve Photo Exhibition takes place from 10 January to 1 March under the Giant Panda Habitat at Ocean Park and as roving exhibition at six other locations outside the Park -  Heritage Discovery Centre, Exchange Square, Harbour City, MTR Central Station, Shatin New Plaza and Millennium City 5. The exhibition showcases more than 50 pictures illustrating the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake and the effect it had on the pandas there, the challenges they are facing and what the public can do to help. 

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About Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong
Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) was established as an independent charity trust, aiming to advocate and participate in the conservation of Asian wildlife and its habitats. Through research and education, we hope to ensure the sustainability of wildlife and biodiversity in Asia.

As Ocean Park’s conservation arm, OPCFHK has funded over 180 research projects since establishment, expanding its conservation efforts from whales, dolphins and giant pandas to other species like seahorse, red panda and coral. We also endeavour to inspire young people by organizing school programme for secondary and primary students, as well as giving them the opportunities for field work under the “University Student Sponsorship Programme in Wildlife Conservation”.

After the earthquake in Sichuan, OPCFHK set up the “Giant Panda Base Rebuilding Fund” and donated modular houses, camping equipment, water purifying tablets and generators to the affected nature reserve.