Issue 2 2009 > Breakfast with The Pandas
Breakfast with The Pandas
The Giant Panda is native to central and southern China. In China, they call the panda "Xiongmao," which means Giant Cat Bear. The Giant Panda is classified as an endangered species, but some reports indicate that their numbers in the wild are on the rise. The Giant Panda has become an informal national emblem for China. To the Chinese, pandas are symbols of peace and friendship.
In August of 2005, two giant pandas were born and then raised at the China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Pandas in Sichuan, China.
In 2007, in recognition of the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule, China bestowed the gift of these two pandas to Hong Kong. Crown was thrilled when they were asked to transport these national treasures to their new home in Hong Kong.
Over the years, Crown’s clients and staff members have had the honor of visiting the pandas, Yingying and Lele at the Ocean Park amusement park, located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island.
Recently, a group of Crown staff members were invited to have "breakfast with the pandas." A new Giant Panda Habitat, complete with a viewing gallery, has been constructed, where guests can enjoy breakfast while watching Yingying and Lele in their home environment.
During breakfast, the trainers from Ocean Park narrated Yingying and Lele’s daily routine and answered questions about the pandas. Crown’s team was allowed to take pictures with Yingying and Lele, who were both very energetic that morning, posing willingly for the spectators. After breakfast, the team enjoyed a tour of the gallery where they spotted other precious animals such as the Red Panda and the Chinese alligator.
"Breakfast with the Pandas" is very clearly becoming a Crown tradition.