Ocean Park apologises for insensitivity after uproar over alligator watch strap

Ocean Park has apologised for insensitivity after launching a panda-themed luxury watch with an alligator leather strap done in partnership with local brand Memorigin. The item has been taken down since being put up for sale.

The product launch came after the city welcomed two giant pandas An An and Ke Ke, as well as their cubs Elder Sister and Little Brother. Since then, Ocean Park decided to look into developing panda-themed intellectual property (IP) and filming documentaries to attract more mainland and overseas visitors, according to the park's chairman, Paulo Pong. This may potentially see the creation of cartoons, comics, and documentaries featuring the pandas. 

According to a statement seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Ocean Park’s spokesperson said the park appreciates the public’s concerns and apologises for the team’s lack of sensitivity in launching an IP product that did not align with the core conservation values. 
“The product has not been purchased by any consumers and has been taken down for sale,” said the spokesperson, adding that the park was in talks with its partners on the use of alternative materials for the strap.

“We will definitely learn from this experience and conduct a comprehensive internal review, as well as review the designs, production and procurement guidelines of all our own and collaborative products,” it said. “We will enhance staff training and communication with licensed partners to ensure the park’s operation is in line with our core conservation values.”

Meanwhile, Memorigin told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE in a statement that all alligator leather used in its timepieces is sourced exclusively from suppliers that comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). "We ensure that our alligator leather comes from legally operated farms that uphold strict conservation principles, contributing to the sustainable population growth of these protected species."

"At the same time, we highly value the perspectives and feedback of our stakeholders regarding our materials and products. In response to growing public concerns over environmental protection and sustainability, Memorigin is actively collaborating with suppliers specialising in eco-friendly and recycled watchmaking materials. We remain committed to exploring innovative, sustainable alternatives that minimise our ecological footprint while contributing to the planet’s long-term wellbeing," said the company.

"We appreciate the public’s vigilance and engagement, which inspire us to continuously refine our craftsmanship and offer timepieces that uphold both excellence and environmental responsibility."

Since the incident, Ocean Park has seen a dip in brand sentiments. According to media intelligence firm CARMA, there were a total of 359 mentions related to the incident, with negative sentiments surging from 9.1% to 20.1%, while its positive sentiments dropped from 40% to 17.5%. 
Keywords associated with the incident include “Ocean Park”, “Disneyland”, “twins”, “crocodile”, “new year”, “Hong Kong”, “design” and “tourists”.

A check by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE saw on Instagram that netizens were angry at the park’s initial decision to launch the co-branded watch, which went against the long-standing core value of the company, while some questioned why the marketing team of the company approved the design at the first place.

Don't miss: Ocean Park promotes animal conservation with crocodile name quest

In fact, back in January 2024, the park unveiled a new member naming challenge for the exotic female crocodile found in Lin Fa Tei, Pat Heung. She was appointed as the park’s ambassador, with a mission to engage the public in the protection of Hong Kong’s ecosystem.

The crocodile, measuring approximately 1.9m in length and 35kg in weight, was transferred from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to Ocean Park on 30 April 2023. Estimated to be four years old, it currently resides in the park's dedicated back-of-house area, receiving attentive care from the park’s veterinarians and professional animal caretakers.

Launched in Hong Kong 48 years ago, Ocean Park has been striving to promote animal conservation and its conservation arm, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) is committed to advocating, facilitating and participating in effective conservation of Asian wildlife, with an emphasis on Chinese white dolphins and giant pandas as well as their habitats through partnerships, fundraising, research and education. It envisions a world where Asian wildlife remains biologically diverse under the stewardship of humans, corporations and governments.

Hongkongers have been wary about animal welfare amid the rise in animal cruelty cases in recent years. According to a volunteer group, the number of reported dog poisoning cases in Hong Kong surged nearly tenfold last year to at least 49, with activists calling for authorities to tighten animal cruelty laws by the end of 2025.

Lawmakers also urged the government and the police force to take concrete actions after a severed head of a cat was found in a village in northwestern Hong Kong in January. The police have initiated investigation into suspected animal cruelty.

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