Ocean Park continues to lead efforts to promote marine conservation by presenting for the first time Animal Discovery Fest during this Easter period from 5 April to 11 May.

At today’s opening ceremony for the seahorse exhibition, the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) announced the latest results of its local seahorse survey populations, revealing that 10 yellow seahorses have been sighted in Hong Kong waters during a survey of 27 sites in 2013. As part of Hong Kong’s first seahorse tagging project, five of the sighted seahorses, being of suitable size, were tagged.

The Secret Lives of Seahorses

It is a walk-through exhibit with more than a dozen individual tanks, each decorated to replicate the natural habitat of the different species. For instance, ribbon pipehorses, never displayed in Hong Kong before, are presented with the type of seaweed that their body resembles for camouflage. Enriching the immersive experience is a series of educational displays on the lifecycle of seahorses, from growing up, courtship and mating to pregnancy and birth. Seahorses are unique in that it is the male individuals that become pregnant and bear the developing embryos.

Habitat Walk & Talk

During the Easter period from 5-11 May, Habitat Walk & Talk offers an unparalleled opportunity for guests to learn from animal experts about different animal ambassadors, including spotted seals, giant pandas, dolphins, sea jellies and tamarins, by visiting them behind the scene. Offered for the first time is a tour of the back of house facility at the Polar North attraction where guests can learn about seal husbandry and how seals have fun in their home. These programmes are all available at only HK$60 per person per session, and a special packaged rate at HK$90 for two will be offered this year. More importantly, 50% of the proceeds will be donated to OPCFHK in support of wildlife conservation projects across Asia.

Get Closer to the Animals

All Get Closer to the Animals programmes, including Grand Aquarium Scuba Diving, Honorary Rainforest Animals Keeper, Penguin Encounter and more, are available at 25% off regular rates for SmartFun members. The general public can also enjoy a 50% discount deal on the second participant joining the programme.

Carnival of the Ocean

Music and dance are important elements in the celebration of marine life during Animal Discovery Fest. At Carnival of the Ocean, guests can join the star of this year’s Animal Discovery Fest, the seahorse, alongside friends from the sea like sea jellies and fishes, all dressed in colour costumes and dancing to jovial music. Recycle Beats shows that water bottles, buckets and tins, when kept out of the seas, can be fantastic musical instruments. Kids will be mesmerized at the Ocean Palace’s SeaTime Puppets Show and be inspired to create their unique message about protecting the ocean at the crafts workshop after the show.

From now until 11 May, Megabox shopping mall is presenting a giant Animal Discovery Fest installation at the atrium of L5. The installation features Hong Kong’s first 20-foot high seahorse model, as well as a series of edu-taining displays on fun facts about seahorses and tips about sustainable seafood. Adjacent to the installation is a 60-inch screen showing a documentary about the life of seahorses, giving adults and kids a multimedia encounter with the adorable species during the Easter period.