Hong Kong people flocked to Ocean Park yesterday to see Le Le and Ying Ying make their official debut.

The giant pandas were a gift by the central government to Hong Kong to mark the 10th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland.

"It is the perfect way for us to share our joy and excitement with the Hong Kong public," chairman of Ocean Park Allan Zeman said.

The panda cubs - one taking stroll while the other munched on bamboo - thrilled the spectators.

Harry Lam, a garment company manager, standing in a long admittance line with his wife and three daughters, said they had waited for two months to see the pandas.

"My kids have anxiously waited to see Le Le and Ying Ying since their arrival at Ocean Park. Today, their dreams have come true. The pandas are a lovely gift from the central government."

Le Le now weighs 75 kilograms. He was born on August 8, 2005. Ying Ying is slightly smaller at 65 kilograms. She was born on August 16, 2005.

The pandas, from the Wolong Center in Sichuan Province, came to Hong Kong in April this year. They had been handpicked and had undergone DNA testing before being brought to Hong Kong in the hope they breed successfully.

"They are so very cute, I wish I could touch their fur," said Lam's seven-year-old daughter.

Lisa Chan took her four-year-old daughter to see the pandas. "It is the first-ever time I am seeing real pandas, I have only seen them on TV before", the daughter said.

A security guard at Ocean Park, Allan Leung, said it was a very special day for Hong Kong and for the theme park.

"It has been very busy since 10 am, immediately after we opened, I am very proud to be here," Leung said.

(China Daily 07/02/2007 page2)