Zoo bamboo issue concluded: WestJet to fly shoots and leaves into Calgary
Posted Nov 7, 2019 02:23:43 PM.
Last Updated Nov 7, 2019 05:02:36 PM.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The Calgary Zoo‘s bamboo crisis has been solved!
The four pandas at the zoo–which staff admit are “picky eaters”–munch on about 1,200 kilograms of bamboo a week and the zoo was left scrambling when Hainan airlines announced its flights from China to Calgary were being cut back at the end of October.
Our giant pandas love bamboo & we’re thankful @WestJet does too! Our 4 beloved pandas need 1,200kg of fresh bamboo shipped weekly from China & when WestJet heard about our bamboo challenges they offered to fly bamboo shipments to Calgary twice-weekly! https://t.co/e1U0rRziuZ pic.twitter.com/P0VFq8Wnof
— Calgary Zoo (@calgaryzoo) November 7, 2019
WestJet stepped forward and is now flying fresh bamboo on its cargo planes twice weekly from Toronto to Calgary.
“We’re happy we were able to step in and support our friends at the Calgary Zoo through our cargo operations,” said Nicolas Saignat, WestJet Senior Commercial Manager, Cargo in a news release.
“WestJet has a great love and appreciation for animals, and we are delighted to be able to assist in providing the freshest bamboo for Da Mao, Er Shun, Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue who currently call Calgary home.”
The zoo says the first shipment arrived Oct. 26 and it’s very grateful for the support from the Calgary-based airline.