The Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens and China’s State Forestry Administration have agreed to grant two giant pandas to the Toronto and Calgary zoos for a period of 10 years. Each zoo will care for the pair of pandas for a period of approximately five years. It is expected that the giant pandas will arrive at the Toronto Zoo in early 2013.
It has been more than 20 years since giant pandas have walked on Canadian soil. Canada was home to giant pandas for short-term stays on three separate occasions in the 1980s. During that time, the Calgary, Toronto and Winnipeg zoos each hosted the animals.
China has previously agreed to numerous long-term agreements with other nations. Australia, Austria, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States have all been hosts to giant pandas.
Giant pandas, which are unique to China, are among the world’s most endangered species and are seen as symbols of peace, friendship and good fortune.
