News update – Councillor Mark Grimes’ Office – March 28, 2013

From Councillor Grimes’ Office:

The Pandas Have Arrived

The Toronto Zoo is very pleased to report that giant pandas Er Shun and Da Mao are now resting comfortably after having been successfully moved into their new home, at the Toronto Zoo for the next five years.

The off load into their new exhibit went smoothly and we want to thank FedEx Express for the exceptional attention to detail during all points of the transport, both in the air and on the ground. FedEx’s expertise in moving precious cargo was clearly demonstrated to everyone at the Toronto Zoo. Both giant pandas travelled well, both are now resting and curious about their new surroundings.

On Friday, March 22, 2013, FedEx delivered a shipment of bamboo from the Memphis Zoo and almost immediately after being unloaded, both pandas were heartily enjoying bamboo. The Toronto Zoo will continue to receive regular shipments of bamboo from Memphis three times a week which will be transported by FedEx as part of their ongoing commitment to the giant pandas.

Er Shun and Da Mao have not met each other yet as they are being kept in separate areas during the minimum 30 day quarantine period. They will remain separated until the Chinese Giant Panda Experts and the Toronto Zoo Keepers determine the most appropriate time for them to meet face-to-face. Although they have not been formally introduced to each other in the same room, they can see and smell each other from across the hallway of their respective holding areas. From all reports from those familiar with their move today, their ‘first date’ went very well.

Spring Cleaning? Reuse It!

With spring cleaning season just around the corner, you may have some household items to donate to a good cause. When offering items to charity, it’s important to sort before you donate. Consider the following tips: remember to sort/examine items confirming they are clean, in very good condition, in working order, and can be sold or reused. Consider and obey sanitary, health/safety regulations and contact the intended charity to make sure they accept your items. There are some items you should not donate to charities. These include items that are not reusable; are broken; are missing parts, labels or instructions; and any items containing hazardous materials.

For a list of donation programs, visit toronto.ca/reuseit.

Councillor Mark Grimes’ Office
Ward 6, Etobicoke Lakeshore
City Hall
100 Queen Street West, Suite C48
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Tel: 416-397-9273 Fax: 416-397-9279
www.markgrimes.ca ( http://www.markgrimes.ca/ )