Hong Kong to hold naming contest for 2 new giant pandas in October, John Lee says

Hong Kong will hold a citywide contest next month to name two giant pandas gifted by Beijing before they meet the public in December, the chief executive has said.

City leader John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Tuesday the pair would need 30 days of quarantine upon their arrival and another month to adapt to the new environment. Confirming reports by the Post, the bears – known as An An and Ke Ke in Sichuan province – will arrive in Hong Kong on Thursday.

“The two pandas are highly anticipated by the entire city … To welcome them, we will hold a citywide naming contest in October, inviting the public to provide meaningful names that can illustrate their features,” Lee told reporters before a meeting with advisers from the Executive Council.

He added that the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau would also hold a drawing contest for residents to portray the “adorable” pandas with brushes.

Beijing gifted the two pandas to Hong Kong on July 1 to mark the 27th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty.