HONG KONG — Panda fever has swept through Hong Kong as residents compete to name the city’s first locally born giant panda twins, who celebrated their six-month milestone on Saturday.

The naming contest, officially launched at a ceremony at Ocean Park, was attended by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and other dignitaries.

Residents can submit name suggestions via the park’s website, with the final names to be announced in the first half of 2025.

Currently referred to as "Elder Sister" and "Little Brother," the twin cubs will make their public debut on Sunday, welcoming visitors for five hours daily.

For an exclusive early viewing session, visitors can opt for a special experience priced at 1,500 Hong Kong dollars ($190) before the park's official opening.

During a media preview session on Saturday, the male cub was seen playfully rolling on a swing and interacting with tree branches, while his female sibling explored the enclosure before climbing onto a tree.

Panda caretakers noted that the female cub is more active, often climbing trees and resting at the top, while her brother enjoys wandering around and playing with plants. To distinguish them, the male cub has been marked with two purple food-coloring spots on his back.

The twins' mother, Ying Ying, made history as the world’s oldest first-time panda mother when she gave birth last year. Their arrival has sparked massive interest on social media, leading officials to encourage local businesses to capitalize on the "panda economy" to boost tourism and commercial activity.

Ocean Park Chairman Paulo Pong stated that the recent influx of visitors, driven by the twin cubs and two newly arrived pandas from mainland China, has resulted in a significant increase in park revenue during the Christmas and Lunar New Year holidays.

"We’re turning the page, and we believe the pandas are definitely helping the income of the park," Pong said.

However, raising pandas in captivity is costly. The park recorded a financial deficit of HK$71.6 million ($9.2 million) last year, and in 2020, it required a government relief fund to stay afloat. Observers are now watching to see whether managing six pandas will further strain the park’s budget or provide an opportunity for business recovery.

Despite financial concerns, Pong emphasized that panda conservation remains a priority.

"Raising pandas is about animal conservation and education, not just a money exercise," he noted.

Giant pandas are widely regarded as China's unofficial national mascot, and Beijing’s panda loan program with overseas zoos has long been considered a soft-power diplomatic strategy. — Agencies