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Sammy Heung

Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has removed a HK$36,000 (US$4,615) panda-themed luxury watch from sale a day after its launch following an outcry over its alligator leather strap.
The theme park apologised on its social media page on Thursday for a lack of sensitivity and pledged to conduct a comprehensive internal review.
“Ocean Park appreciates the public’s concerns and expresses apologies for the team’s lack of sensitivity in launching an IP product that did not align with the core conservation values,” it said.
“The product has not been purchased by any consumers and was immediately removed from sale.”
The park said it was discussing with its partners the use of alternative materials for the strap.
“We will definitely learn from this experience and conduct a comprehensive internal review, as well as review the designs, production and procurement guidelines of all our own and collaborative products,” it said.
“We will enhance staff training and communication with licensed partners to ensure the park’s operation is in line with our core conservation values.”
Ocean Park on Wednesday announced the launch of the tourbillon watch featuring the city’s six pandas in collaboration with a Hong Kong-based brand, Memorigin. It had a blue strap made of alligator leather.
The timepiece costs HK$36,800.
According to a press release on Memorigin’s website, the watch was created in collaboration with the park’s IP “Panda Friends”.
Cartoon versions of Le Le and Ying Ying, as well as recent arrivals An An and Ke Ke, are featured on the top half of the watch face. The panda twin cubs are resting on either side of a wheel at the bottom of the watch face.
The announcement sparked criticism from internet users. Some said the product contradicted the park’s mission especially when it introduced a hybrid Siamese-Cuban crocodile named Passion last March.
“Ocean Park on one hand asks people not to use products made with alligator leather, and on the other hand sells a luxurious watch with an alligator strap,” one comment said.
“There are many materials for making watch straps and they still chose to use alligator leather.”
Another person said: “When will we be able to eat shark fins and watch performances of hunting dolphins?”
“It creates a very negative impression of the park,” another internet user said.
The city has been trying to promote a “panda economy” in the hope of boosting tourism and consumption following the surprise birth of twin cubs in August last year and the arrival of two bears gifted by Beijing the next month.
There had been mounting calls from tourism experts and lawmakers for incorporating the six pandas into the park’s branding and developing IP products around them.


Panda Watch: twin cubs set to make public debut in Hong Kong on February 16

Hong Kong’s Ocean Park halts sale of luxury watch after alligator-strap outcry

Hong Kong is promoting its panda economy, but can the bears really boost tourism?

Hong Kong’s twin panda cubs to meet public on February 16, John Lee says

Hong Kong’s pandas

Ocean Park’s panda-themed watch came with a blue alligator-leather strap. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong’s baby panda twins to meet the public in February: John Lee

“Younger Brother” (left) and “Elder Sister”. Photo: Ocean Park

Chief Executive John Lee has said the twin cubs are now six months old. Photo: Sun Yeung

Panda Watch: Hong Kong’s Ying Ying cares for twin cubs together for first time

Panda mum Ying Ying is caring for her twin cubs together for the first time. Photo: Ocean Park

Hong Kong public may get to see panda cubs in February, Ocean Park boss says

“Younger Brother” (left) and “Elder Sister” could be introduced to the public early next year. Photo: Ocean Park

Park chairman Paulo Pong. Photo: Dickson Lee

Lawmaker Chan Pui-leung. Photo: Handout

News

Hong Kong

Society

Theme park apologises after launching HK$36,000 panda-themed luxury watch the previous day


Theme park apologises after launching HK$36,000 panda-themed luxury watch the previous day.
