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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will reopen the outdoor section of the Hong Kong Wetland Park to the public from tomorrow (December 31) after no new cases of birds infected with H5 virus for the past 21 days within a three-kilometre radius of the park.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, a special souvenir would be presented to children visiting the park from tomorrow to February 1, in addition to the Wetland Kaleidoscope programmes, an AFCD spokesman said.
The park will be open to the public during the Chinese New Year holidays from 10am to 5pm. From January 26 to February 1, "Cultural Festival" will be held to showcase the multi-cultural traditions of local people and ethnic minorities living in the Yuen Long district through stage performances, dances, folk songs and dramas.
"Small as it is, Hong Kong is blessed with an abundance of feathered friends, be they migratory or resident birds. January and February are the best time for bird watching in Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
"At the moment, visitors can watch some major migratory birds, including Black-faced Spoonbills, Northern Pintails, Eurasian Wigeons, Grey Herons, and different kinds of egrets and waterbirds through telescopes or CCTV at the Viewing Gallery and Bird Hides of the Hong Kong Wetland Park."
Bird-watching guided tours will be provided on Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays and Public Holidays. During weekends, volunteers will also support fix-point interpretation at bird hides and Viewing Gallery. For details, please visit www.wetlandpark.com.
"The Wetland Park will organise a series of activities for the enjoyment of visitors of all ages. Nature lovers should not miss them," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Issued at HKT 10:01
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