A giant pandas at the Wolong National Nature Reserve in Gengda township, Southwest China's Sichuan Province. Photo: China News Service

Giant pandas are very popular around the world and in Hong Kong where they are not only very much loved, but people are required by law to respect the iconic bears. 

According to Hong Kong law, visitors to the Ocean Park's animal theme park must not get angry with giant pandas, or they could be jailed for a month and fined HK$ 2,000 ($254). The law also protects other animals living at the Ocean Park, the mainland-based news portal Sina News reported on Saturday.

The vast majority of netizens support Hong Kong's detailed laws requiring people to fully respect  the captive animals. 

"Giant pandas are nationally protected animals and should enjoy this treatment. They are so adorable that nobody could possibly lose temper when going to visit them," a netizen wrote whose comments were shared by many others. 

Some netizens seemed envious of a panda's treatment and life, saying wittily that in their next life they hope to become a giant panda and be protected and cherished.

Hong Kong is known for its strict laws. Along with respecting animals, people who destroy plants can be fined up to HK $25,000 and a fine of HK $50 will be imposed on someone for drunkenness and loud hawking in public.

Global Times