Introducing: the Toronto Zoo’s new panda couple

After twelve years of planning, a pair of giant pandas on long-term loan from China’s Chongqing Zoo finally touched down in Toronto this morning. (The exhibit opens to the public in May after a mandatory 30-day quarantine.) Er Shun and Da Mao arrived via FedEx—Stephen Harper signed for the package—and, based on the pics of the couple enjoying in-flight catering and gazing out the window, they weathered the journey better than most coach passengers. The Toronto Zoo is hoping the pair will mate during their five-year stay in the city—which is a lot more likely now that they’re completely sure they’ve got a male and a female.

See the adorable panda pair »