Wan Chai Hopewell Mall | Hopewell Centre 'Alternative Pet World' Returns on 7.25 Upgrading and Creating a 25-day Immersive Exotic Pet Eco-interactive Learning Experience

Description

During last year's summer vacation, the 'Alternative Pet World' held for the first time at Wanchai Hopewell Centre used a realistic amphibian and reptile ecological environment to bring precious exotic pets to the bustling city, and introduced their characteristics and wild survival to parents and children through a diverse range of educational and interactive activities. Combining education, conservation and entertainment, it brought a novel experience to everyone. This summer, the 'Alternative Pet World 2026', jointly organized by Hopewell Centre and Nature Herpetology Education, will return with acclaim from 25 July to 18 August, offering a fully upgraded immersive exotic pet eco-interactive learning experience for 25 consecutive days, providing a rare opportunity for children and adults alike to gain an in-depth understanding of amphibians and reptiles!

Four Themed Exhibition Areas | Over 15 Exhibiting Species Gathered in One Place, an Unmissable Event

The 'Amphibian and Reptile Exhibition Area', which was the focus of last year's event, will be upgraded into four themed exhibition areas: 'Amphibian and Reptile Diverse Habitat Area', 'Aquatic and Crustacean Eco-zone', 'Giant Tortoise and Lizard Interaction Area', and 'Spotlight Conservation Exhibition Area'. With the most realistic simulated habitat ecosystem, the event will showcase over 15 species of exhibiting animals, including lizards, turtles, amphibians, snakes, crayfish, mutant crustaceans, fish, and more. Step into the natural jungle-themed exhibition area to observe these animals up close and learn about their habits and characteristics. The 'Aquatic and Crustacean Eco-zone' is specially curated by Jeffery Yau, designer of the internationally renowned trendy IP 'Omeow' and an experienced crayfish keeper. All exhibited animals are sourced in compliance with legal regulations, with protected species holding valid CITES certificates and/or local breeding permits to ensure animal rights.

*The exhibited animals are subject to change depending on their health and condition. The organizer/event planner/Hopewell Centre reserves the final right to make changes.

Join the 'Little Zoologist' Summer Experience Course
Get Up Close and Personal with Small Animals, Go Behind the Scenes, Monitor Exhibit Box Temperature and Humidity, and Prepare Meals for the Animals

The highly popular 'Little Zoologist' course has been upgraded, and an English class is offered for the first time! The three-lesson curriculum includes: Lesson 1 - Getting to Know Animals and Establishing a Basic Classification of Reptiles; Lesson 2 - Introduction to Endangered Species and Conservation, discussing habitat destruction, pet trade, climate change, and other threats to species survival; Lesson 3 - Going behind the scenes to personally measure temperature and humidity, observe animal behavior, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the living conditions of the participating animals. This edition of the course further closes the distance between the participants and the animals, breaking down the glass barrier of the exhibit boxes. Wearing exclusive explorer gear, participants will enter the hidden internal passageways of the exhibition area to go backstage, where they will use professional equipment to measure temperature and humidity, observe animal behavior, and more. Additionally, a new segment has been added where participants will prepare meals for the various animals from scratch and feed them, significantly enhancing their connection with these rare exotic pets, fostering a sense of care for animals, and cultivating a love for the natural environment. For more details and to sign up, please visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7OdL1-Jcl3tWqfvTlUV00EBGfTAmE6njqIYr73yR6gvoDJg/viewform

Workshop Highlights:

New! Terrarium Workshop
Participants will assemble a small terrarium with a land and water environment, including basic filtration, substrate, aquatic plants, and landscape. One live crayfish will be included. The instructor will explain the principle of water circulation and the symbiosis of plants and animals.

New! Crayfish Workshop
Focusing on freshwater crayfish husbandry, participants will be able to take home a dedicated small aquarium and one crayfish. They will learn about water quality testing, feeding rhythm, water changing procedures, and the observation of molting cycles.

New! Transparent Soap Embedding Exotic Pets Workshop
Using transparent soap base and molding techniques, participants will select仿真imitation pets such as turtles, beetles, lizards, and crayfish, and seal them in soap to create a visual effect reminiscent of 'amber fossils.'

New! Wild Studio - Art Workshop
This workshop cleverly combines exotic pet materials, natural elements, and China's intangible cultural heritage, offering collage, animal white model, moss painting, and silk painting experiences.

New! Miniature Eco-specimen Landscape Workshop (Limited Slots)
Combining nature specimens with miniature landscapes, participants will create a desk-sized work of art.

New! Carnivorous Plant Bog Terrarium Workshop (Limited Slots)
Using live carnivorous plants such as Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and sphagnum moss, participants will create their own bog terrarium and master the planting and landscaping techniques for these unique plants.

New! Eternal Moss Painting Workshop (Limited Slots)
Using high-quality Norwegian moss, participants will create a textured artistic mural.

Beetle/Scorpion Specimen Preparation Workshop
Under the guidance of an instructor, participants will learn the traditional dry-preparation insect specimen technique of '整姿' (setting/pinning), and understand the biological significance of the body structure of insects and arthropods. The finished specimen will be displayed in a transparent acrylic box on a black base for long-term preservation as a biological collection.

Eco-bottle Workshop
DIY moss micro-ecosystem. Participants will lay activated carbon, soil, moss, and create a landscape, and add a woodlouse (isopod) as a miniature cleaner.

Free Photo Opportunity and Interaction with Giant Tortoise During the Event
Special Rewards for Spending a Designated Amount, Including Giant Tortoise Feeding Experience, Close Encounters with Rare Species, and Guided Tours

During the event, children and adults can take photos with the giant tortoise and touch its rough shell for free! This year's event also introduces the 'Alternative Pet Three-tier Consumption Reward' exclusively for Hopewell Centre customers. Simply present electronic consumption receipts for a designated amount (up to two receipts) from the Hopewell Centre Circle to unlock special privileges and upgrade your experience! Consumption rewards are limited on a weekly/daily basis and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weekend 'Life Education' Public Lectures | Experts in Related Fields Share Topics on Amphibian and Reptile Exotic Pets

Weekend 'Life Education' public lectures will be held, featuring speakers such as child psychologists, registered veterinarians, ecological conservation scholars, and experienced keepers, who will share their knowledge on topics related to amphibian and reptile exotic pets.

Famous Local Toy Brand 'Bigclawx' Designer Jeffery Yau Serves as the Event Ambassador
Newly Established Bigclawx x Omeow Art Toy Exhibition Area | Cross-industry Collaboration to Raise Awareness for Exotic Pet Species

The original IP 'Omeow', created by Jeffery Yau, founder of the famous local toy brand 'Bigclawx' and an experienced crayfish keeper, based on his love for crustaceans and pet cats, will be the event ambassador for this year's 'Alternative Pet World 2026'. Omeow will land in the newly established 'Bigclawx x Omeow Art Toy Exhibition Area.'

Hopewell Centre 'Alternative Pet World 2026'
Date: 25 July - 18 August, 2026
Time: 12:00nn - 7:00pm
Venue: Hopewell Centre, 3/F Atrium
 

'Little Zoologist' Summer Course