Zoological Education Exhibition to explore biodiversity in Hong Kong

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will co-organise the Zoological Education Exhibition 2018 at six selected LCSD parks from December 1 this year to March 31, 2019. With "Hong Kong Biodiversity" as the theme this year, the exhibition will introduce details of Hong Kong's biodiversity and various of its species. Members of the public can also learn more about the importance of maintaining biodiversity from themed talks to be held at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG) on December 1 and 2.

     In an ecosystem, every species has a role to play and they are connected to each other in an intricate network. The quantity of species is closely related to the stability of biodiversity as well as the whole ecosystem, which also impact on the supply of natural resources for human beings. Owing to climatic and geographic advantages Hong Kong has many species of plants and animals, leading to an exceptionally high biodiversity despite the fact that the city only covers a small area. This exhibition will take visitors deep under the sea, across the land, and up in the air for an all-round view of Hong Kong's bustling nature. Through resourceful information panels with colourful photos, visitors will learn about the native species of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects, and various kinds of wildlife habitats, as well as the threats faced by our biodiversity.

     A spokesman for the LCSD said that the department hopes that the exhibition can help enhance public interest in ecology and biodiversity and raise their awareness of nature conservation.

     The roving exhibition will be held at six parks, namely the HKZBG, Yuen Long Park, Tuen Mun Park, Tai Po Waterfront Park, Hong Kong Park and Kowloon Park. It will start at the HKZBG, where the exhibition will be held from December 1 to March 31, 2019. To launch the event, Meet-the-Zookeepers sessions and Orienteering Fun Day activities will also take place during the exhibition's first two days (December 1 and 2) at the HKZBG.

     This is the second round of Meet-the-Zookeepers sessions organised by the HKZBG this year. Zookeepers will share with participants their experience of daily primate and bird care as well as animal conservation. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about the HKZBG's animals, including Bornean orangutans, buff-cheeked gibbons, emperor tamarins, golden-headed lion tamarins, black and white ruffed lemurs, meerkats, American flamingos and red-crowned cranes. Moreover, the public can join the Orienteering Fun Day activities to appreciate and familiarise themselves with different species of animals and plants through touring various facilities in the HKZBG.

     To tie in with the theme of the roving exhibition, four educational talks will be held on December 1 and 2 at the HKZBG featuring topics including "Where Have the Coral Larvae Gone?", "Appreciating the Diversity of Life in the Wetlands", "Meet the Bats of Hong Kong" and "Global Warming and its Threat to Biodiversity". Guided tours will also be provided, during which the participants can tour the HKZBG and see for themselves about 70 mammals, 160 birds and over 20 reptiles being kept there.

     Park visitors will find plenty to enjoy while taking part in these interactive and fun activities, the spokesman said.

     All activities are free of charge. Interested parties should assemble at the information counter of the HKZBG's Education and Exhibition Centre at specified hours. In addition, stall games and a reading corner will be set up in the HKZBG. Members of the public will also receive souvenirs during their visit.

     Please refer to the annex for information on the exhibition periods of the six parks and details of the "Meet-the-Zookeepers" sessions, Orienteering Fun Day activities, talks and guided tours at the HKZBG. For enquiries, please contact the LCSD's Zoo and Horticulture Education Unit at 2723 6053 or 2530 0154 during office hours.