Toronto pandemonium

The Prime Minister, not often seen in Toronto, was recently on the tarmac at Pearson along with some other dignitaries, to take delivery of two visiting giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Two Canadian zoos will be hosting them for the next ten years at a steep annual cost. The PM, peering into the one travel container, said some words about Sino-Canadian friendship. The Chinese Ambassador thought the reception for the bears was more impressive than what he got. The Mayor of Toronto, himself a bear, had no comment but seemed supportive. FedEx delivered the pandas to the Toronto Zoo with police escort. The pair, who may eventually breed, were headed for 30 days of quarantine.

[25 March 2013]

The annual fee to China for panda research will be paid by the federal government, but the local zoo will have heavy costs to house, feed, and care for the animals. Increased attendance at higher admission is expected to more than cover the outlay, as well in general to improve the zoo's local profile.