Panda mania in Macau
MANILA, Philippines – Kai Kai and Xin Xin are now official residents of Macau and have become its newest tourist attractions.
The pair of giant pandas, a gift from the Chinese central government, is now accepting visitors at their new home, the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion in Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane Island, Macau.
The Pavilion is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m., Tuesdays to Sundays.
Entrance ticket to the Pavilion costs MOP10 (roughly P58) per person and admission is free for children aged 12 and below and for senior citizens aged 65 and above.
Florinda Chan, Macau secretary for administration and justice, said she expects the arrival of Kai Kai and Xin Xin to cause a “panda mania,” drawing hordes of residents and tourists to the city.
The pandas were flown in from the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan province last month, and are expected to adapt to their new home quickly.
The arrival of the pair of pandas made the recent celebration of Macau’s 11th founding anniversary more memorable and meaningful, as it boosts public awareness in Macau of the need to protect and conserve rare and precious wildlife.
For more information on the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion, visit the website www.macaupanda.org.mo or e-mail the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO)-Philippines at mgtophil@info.com.ph.
