Zoological and Botanical Gardens

The department manages about 1 390 parks and gardens of various sizes. Among these, there are 22 major parks including the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

	A visitor trying to capture a shot of an African Crowned Crane at Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

Despite its urban environment, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a 5.6 hectare 'green lung' overlooking Central District, providing a viable conservation centre for 18 endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The bird collection is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, with about 440 birds of 160 species. More than 15 of these species have reared offspring. The mammal collection specialises in primates, with 65 exhibits representing 20 species.

Trees, shrubs, creepers and foliage of more than 750 plant species thrive in the gardens, while the herb garden that was established in 1987 and a greenhouse that was built in 1993 continue to generate particular interest. These facilities contain about 500 species of herbs, orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and carnivorous and indoor plants.

There are continuous programmes to upgrade the animal enclosure and facilities.

Zoological collections are also housed in Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Park, Tuen Mun Park and Yuen Long Park.

Tree Planting and Preservation

Implementation of the department's ambitious tree-planting programme continued with the planting of some 15 000 trees in 2005. Most were planted in the rainy season (March to October) to ensure establishment and growth of the plants. Eighty-three per cent of the trees were planted in the New Territories and the balance in the urban areas, with some 9 900 trees planted along roadsides and 5 100 in parks and gardens.

	Trees were planted on vacant government land to beautify the environment of the districts.

In the past, trees were planted for functional purposes to provide shade, screening, soil protection and conservation, which formed a good basis for greening the environment. Nevertheless, aesthetics has also been the emphasis of the programmes in recent years. During the year, about 9 600 flowering trees, including Bauhinia, Delonix, Erythrina, Jacaranda, Lagerstroemia and Spathodea, were planted to provide a greater visual impact and stronger seasonal colours.

Flowering trees like Lagerstroemia (upper) and Delonix (lower) add colour to the city.

The trees are regularly watered, pruned and given fertiliser to ensure healthy growth, with weeds removed and pests controlled.

The increased tree cultivation has prompted the department to establish a computerised tree inventory system to enhance the management and maintenance of Hong Kong's great variety of trees. In fact, the department has drawn up a register of old and valuable trees on unleased government land within built-up areas or tourist attraction spots in village areas to strengthen its efforts in preserving and protecting the trees.

	An old and valuable tree at Central Government Offices.

Zoological and Horticultural Education

Zoological and horticultural education programmes were organised to arouse the interest of the public in conservation and greening. Over 26 700 people participated in 616 zoological projects and some 19 500 people were involved in 375 horticultural programmes. The education programmes for schools again proved very popular and attracted 15 460 primary school students and 1 670 kindergarten children.

	Enthusiastic children on a visit to Kowloon Park.

The Scented Gardens and Primates Collection exhibitions in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in September and November respectively attracted over 12 000 visitors. Roving exhibitions were held later in Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Park, Tuen Mun Park, Yuen Long Park and Tai Po Waterfront Park. Nineteen conservation courses also catered for the Girl Guides to acquire Interest Badges. These programmes were well received with encouraging feedback.

Horticultural and Landscape Services

As the department is responsible for improving the urban environment and overall landscape, the latest horticultural and arboricultural information has been collated to update relevant policies and guidelines. The department also regularly reviews its practices to achieve high management and maintenance standards for community amenities.

As part of the greening of Hong Kong, the department closely monitors the implementation of planting programmes in all districts. Emphasis is placed on preserving existing trees, nurturing new ones and carrying out tree plantings on development sites. During the year, more than 4 200 trees were successfully preserved.

The department is also responsible for vetting the landscaping of all new public works projects to ensure maximum planting and high quality landscape works are provided. During the year, improvements to the landscape were made on 45 hectares of existing venues and roadside amenities.

	A roadside amenity area at the junction of Chatham Road and Gascoigne Road.