FedEx Express will use its experience in shipping precious cargo of all kinds to transport twogiant pandas from Chengdu, China, to a new home in Toronto, Canada.
The five-year-old female panda and the four-year-old male panda will travel on a MD-11F aircraftas part of a dedicated charter flight specially named the “FedEx Panda Express.” Animal careexperts from both China and Canada will accompany the pandas onboard the aircraft to ensure theirsafety and comfort. They are due to arrive in Canada in spring 2013, with the final date ofdelivery subject to final regulatory approvals.
“These rare animals are beautiful symbols of China and represent the truest definition of ‘precious cargo’ for the FedEx team,” Lisa Lisson, president, FedEx Express Canada, said. “FedExExpress is honoured to use our logistical expertise to lead the move. This transport highlights ourability to meet our customers’ distinctive shipping needs, while also solidifying the FedEx role asa global citizen – connecting the world through our unique network and specialised areas ofexpertise.”
As part of the cooperative conservation agreement between Canada and China, the pandas willspend five years at Toronto Zoo, followed by another five years at Calgary Zoo. This way, both zooscontribute to ongoing international efforts to preserve the species. Conservationists estimate thatjust over 2,000 giant pandas remain in the wild.
In addition, FedEx is collaborating with Memphis Zoo to ensure the pandas have the foodnecessary for a healthy and plentiful diet. Bamboo harvested locally by Memphis Zoo provides foodfor its own giant pandas, and will be delivered to Toronto Zoo via FedEx Express two to three timesper week.
Memphis Zoo horticulture team members will cut roughly 700 pounds of bamboo per shipment, mostlyfrom their 10-acre bamboo farm at Memphis’ Agricenter International, and immediately refrigeratethe stalks to keep them fresh. FedEx will then collect the bamboo, and fly the stalks toToronto.
Toronto Zoo is among Canada’s leading tourist attractions and a leader in animal preservationand environmental protection. It attracts approximately 1.3 million visitors each year.
