FedEx Express has safely transported two giant pandas from China to their new home at TorontoZoo after months of preparations.
The breeding pair, Er Shun (female) and Da Mao (male), travelled on a MD-11F aircraft fromChengdu, China, to the FedEx Express Canadian Hub at Toronto Pearson International Airport as partof a dedicated charter flight. They were then transferred by a FedEx Express truck to TorontoZoo.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was airside to officially sign for Canada’s receipt ofthe giant pandas on a FedEx PowerPad.
FedEx Express, the Toronto Zoo and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding closelycooperated with each other for all necessary precautions to be taken in order to ensure a safe andcomfortable flight for the pandas with animal care experts accompanying them onboard theaircraft.
“It marks an important symbol of trade and diplomacy between our country and China. As theworld’s global transportation leader, FedEx understands first-hand the opportunity and potentialthat comes with strengthened relationships and improved global connectivity all of which is wrappedinto the symbolism of today’s delivery,” Lisa Lisson, president, FedEx Express Canada, said.
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. The specially-branded FedEx Express trucks will stay inservice throughout the giant pandas’ stay in Toronto, delivering 600-900 kg of fresh bamboosupplies to Toronto Zoo two to three times a week.
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.
