Having lived in Hong Kong and grown up with the community over the past few years, twin giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le have celebrated their fifth birthday in Ocean Park. Six children born on the same day joined in the party.

With scorching hot temperatures, an icy birthday cake with red apples, carrots and ice cream was served to the pandas.

They were joined at the party by some very special guests.

Since their arrival in Hong Kong three years ago (please check), Ying Ying and Le Le have been well taken care of and are enjoying good health.

A Panda keeper Elke Wu said, "They love us, all the panda keepers, they can recognize our smells and voices, they are not too good with their eyesight, but they have very good smelling and hearing, so they recognize our voices."

Pandas normally mature sexually at the age of five. Ocean Park workers are hoping to welcome babies in the coming year. As there is only one time a year for pandas to mate, Ocean Park is making every endeavor to prepare an ideal environment.

Allan Zeman, Chairman of Ocean Park, said, "When we built the facility, we built a very big facility. The last zone, Zone 3, has empty space at the moment. The most important thing is pandas have space and that they feel comfortable. This facility, if there is a baby, will really make the panda feel very very comfortable."

Ying Ying and Le Le was a present from the central government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2007 on the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.