Canada's prime minister in China
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Prime Minister Harper today announced that two giant pandas will be
spending 10 years in Canada, splitting their time between the Toronto
and Calgary zoos.
“It is a tremendous honour for Canada to be entrusted with two of
China’s national treasures: the Giant Pandas Er Shun and Ji Li,” said
the Prime Minister. “The pandas, which will delight Canadian children
and adults alike, and be a boon to tourism in Toronto and Calgary, will
be an enduring reminder of the deep friendship and goodwill that exists
between our countries.”
The agreement between the Toronto and Calgary zoos and Chinese
agencies, which was facilitated by the Government of Canada, will see
two giant pandas come to the zoos for two concurrent 5-year periods.
Included in the agreement is a commitment by each of these zoos to
invest in research and conservation of the species.
It has been more than 20 years since giant pandas have walked on
Canadian soil. Canada was home to giant pandas on three separate
occasions during the 1980s when the Calgary, Toronto and Winnipeg zoos
all hosted giant pandas for short-term stays.
Giant pandas are
unique to China. They often serve as unofficial national mascots and are
seen as symbols of peace, friendship and good fortune.
Er Shun and Ji Li are expected to arrive in Toronto early next year.
