A tour of some of the Toronto Zoo’s cutest, cuddliest animals, including the prize pair of giant pandas

Er Sun and Da Mao, two giant pandas on long-term loan from Chongqing Zoo in China, arrived via FedEx in March (Prime Minister Stephen Harper even signed for the package) and became an instant hit. Their kind eyes and winsome smiles had the media instantly smitten, and the public followed suit when the Zoo’s Giant Panda Experience opened in the middle May. A couple months into their five-year stay, four-year-old male Da Mao is emerging as an outgoing, attention-seeking rock star and five-year-old female Er Shun as a shyer, more reserved creature. Of course, while they’re the attraction du jour, other adorable beasties in residence still bring a serious awwwww factor. Here, a slideshow of some of the Zoo’s cutest denizens, from tiny baby lemurs to lovably awkward penguins.