Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Despite its urban environment, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG), is a 5.6-hectare "green lung" overlooking Central District, and provides a viable conservation centre for 17 endangered species of mammal, bird and reptile. The bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, with more than 600 birds of 190 species. More than 14 of these species have reared offspring. The mammal collection specialises in primates, with 69 exhibits representing 19 species.

	The bird collection of HKZBG is one of the most comprehensive in Asia.

More than 750 species of tree, shrub, creeper and foliage plant thrive in the HKZBG, while the medicinal plant collection established in 1987 and a new greenhouse built in 1993 continue to generate particular interest. These facilities contain about 500 species of herb, orchid, fern, bromeliad, carnivorous and indoor plants.

There are on-going programmes to upgrade the animal enclosure and facilities.

Zoological collections are also housed in other major parks including the Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Park, Tuen Mun Park and Yuen Long Park.

Zoo and Horticulture Education

The Zoo and Horticulture Education programmes for school groups continue to be very popular. Some 22,850 primary students from 603 schools took part in zoo education projects, while 11,441 students from 316 schools joined in the horticulture education programmes. Additionally, 26 conservation courses were held for 718 Girl Guides and 26 horticultural courses organised for the public were attended by a total of 780 enthusiasts.

An exhibition at HKZBG in November to promote wildlife conservation in urban parks attracted 5,000 people of all ages. Roving exhibitions were also held at Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Park, Tuen Mun Park, Yuen Long Park and Tai Po Waterfront Park.

In addition, a total of 15 outreach promotional programmes, including horticultural talks and demonstrations, were introduced to schools and voluntary agencies. All got encouraging feedback.

Horticulture and Landscape Services

Since the department is responsible for improving the urban environment and landscape provision, the latest horticultural and arboricultural information has been collated for updating relevant policies and guidelines. The department also regularly reviews its practices to achieve a high management and maintenance standard for community amenities.

To continue the greening of Hong Kong, the department closely monitors the implementation of master tree-planting plans in all districts. Emphasis is placed on preserving existing trees, nurturing new ones and carrying out compensatory tree planting on development sites. During the year, more than 8,000 trees were successfully preserved.

The department is also responsible for vetting the landscape provisions of all new public works projects to ensure that maximum planting and high quality landscape work are provided. During the year, landscape improvement works were carried out on 32 hectares of existing LCSD venues and roadside amenity areas.

	Flower baskets on lamp posts in Causeway Bay add colour and cheer to the busy city.