Photo credit: Toronto Zoo

CLICK HERE to watch Toronto Zoo Giant Panda Cub in Incubator

Toronto, ON, Wednesday, October 21, 2015: The Toronto Zoo is very grateful to The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) for their recent donation of an incubator to the Zoo's Wildlife Health Centre. The incubator, which was previously retired from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at SickKids, is now being used in the maternity area of the giant panda house for the Zoo’s newest additions.

"The incubator is a critical piece of equipment that is being used by the giant panda team to give both cubs the best chance for survival," said Dr. Chris Dutton, Head of Veterinary Services at the Toronto Zoo. "I would like to express particular thanks to SickKids' Dr. Peter Cox and Mr. Navtej Virdi for arranging this important contribution."

Immediately following the birth of the second cub, Toronto Zoo staff from the Wildlife Health Centre, Wildlife Care and two giant panda experts from Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China retrieved the cub to initiate the Toronto Zoo’s Giant Panda Twin Rearing Protocol. The second born cub was then placed in the incubator in the maternity area of the giant panda house. Every few hours the cubs are twin-swapped so each cub has an opportunity to bond with Er Shun. When one cub is with mom, the other cub is in the incubator where it can also be closely monitored and given regular health checks.

"We are especially grateful to our many key partners who we work with on a daily basis to ensure our animals get the highest quality of care," added Dr. Dutton.

This is a wonderful example of the broader community coming together to provide these cubs with the greatest chance of survival. The incubator will be relocated to the Wildlife Health Centre once the cubs are healthy and old enough to be on their own with Er Shun.

Please CLICK HERE for more information on Canada's First Giant Panda Cubs at the Toronto Zoo.

Media Information:

Please note, media are not permitted in the maternity area of the Giant Panda Exhibit. Toronto Zoo staff will provide updates, photos and video as they become available.

Toronto Zoo Media Contacts:

Cynthia Shipley, Manager of Public Relations and Events
[email protected] or #416-392-5938

Amanda Chambers, Supervisor of Public Relations and Events
[email protected]or #416-392-5941