In black and white: State Forestry Administration spokesman Cao Qingyao unveils the new panda pair selected for Hong Kong. (photo credit: State Forestry Administration)

Chief Secretary Rafael Hui has hailed the Central People's Government and the State Forestry Administration for their tremendous support in selecting a pair of young and healthy giant pandas for Hong Kong. The pair will leave Sichuan before May 1, and be on public display at Ocean Park from July 1.

State Forestry Administration spokesman Cao Qingyao announced today two vivacious, healthy and fertile giant pandas born in the China Conservation & Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Wolong in August 2005 were chosen as a gift to Hong Kong in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.

They were selected based on five stringent criteria, including age, health, behaviour and psychological well-being, body features and genetics. As it will take one to two months for the pair to get accustomed to Hong Kong's environment, they will leave for Hong Kong before May 1 and go on display from July 1.

Happy family

"I am particularly glad to learn that the new pair of giant pandas meets all the requirements put forward by Hong Kong," Mr Hui said, adding the new pandas will be able to fulfil their mission of building a happy family in Hong Kong.

"The people of Hong Kong are looking forward to the arrival of the giant pandas. The SAR Government and Ocean Park will continue to work closely with the State Forestry Administration and the Research Centre on the necessary arrangements for the smooth and timely arrival of the pair of China's national treasures," Mr Hui said.

As a welcome gesture and to show the enthusiasm of Hong Kong people for the new giant pandas, a contest will be held to invite the public to suggest names for the pandas. Details will be announced by the end of March.