April 22^nd is... Earth Day

Earth Day is the day designated for fostering appreciation of the Earth’s environment and awareness of the issues that threaten it. Responding to widespread environmental degradation, Gaylord Nelson, a United States Senator from Wisconsin, called for an environmental teach-in (or Earth Day) to be held on April 22, 1970. Coordinated by the Earth Day Network, Earth Day is now observed on every April 22nd by more than 500 million people in 175 countries.

To celebrate the 2010 Earth Day, visitors had the opportunity to cherish close encounters with reptiles and to learn about their behavior as well as conservation in the Hall of Might Dragons during Animal Month. “I Nurture Nature for Our Future” display panels, show messages, and escalator stickers were exhibited throughout guest areas in the Park for promotion. Earth Day stickers were also distributed to visitors at the “Mighty Dragons Academy”.

Furthermore, Ocean Park collaborated with National Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Association in a ceremony to release108 Chinese sturgeons into the Jiulongjiang Estuary, 4 of which are attached with satellite tracking tags. The satellite tracking project was sponsored by Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong (OPCFHK), and aimed to study the movements and behaviours of Chinese sturgeons in the wild to facilitate conservation work for the species.

From this year’s Earth Day (22 April) onwards, drinking straws would be available on an upon request basis to at food kiosks (including McDonald's), restaurants (including Middle Kingdom Restaurant), and staff canteens within Ocean Park. Posters, banners, and tent cards were displayed at associated areas around the Park to promote this initiative.