Today, Fang Li Consul General of China and Joe Torzsok, Chair of the Toronto Zoo Board of Management announced they will be co-hosting a gala fundraiser at the Toronto Zoo as part of the Zoo’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The Moon Festival Gala, to be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 within the Giant Panda Experience area at the Zoo, will raise funds for giant panda conservation. Toronto Zoo is home to Canada’s only two giant pandas, Er Shun and Da Mao, who are on a five year conservation and breeding loan from China.

“The pandas have brought the people of China and the people of Canada together again. We continue the celebration of close cultural ties between the two countries symbolized in the pandas. I am honoured to co-host this meaningful event with the Toronto Zoo Board of Management.” said Mr. Fang Li, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto.

“We are looking forward to co-hosting the first Moon Festival Gala at the Toronto Zoo” said Mr. Joe Torzsok, Chair, Toronto Board of Management”. “We are also very privileged to have the support of RBC Financial, Manulife and the Chinese Fujian Enterprise Association as Industry Co-Chairs as well as Compass Canada as the Reception Sponsor, and Pfaff as the Valet Sponsor”.

“The Moon Festival Gala is an important component of our 40th anniversary celebrations and it’s a wonderful way to highlight our proud history of saving and protecting species at home and abroad” said John Tracogna, Toronto Zoo’s Chief Executive Officer. “This event will not only help us raise funds for giant panda conservation but it also honours our friendship between China and Canada by co-hosting this inaugural event with the Consul General of China” he added.

When the Toronto Zoo first opened its doors in 1974 it was hailed as one of the innovative and forward-thinking zoos in the world. Forty years later, the Zoo continues to be global leader in wildlife conservation, reproductive technologies, and advancing knowledge about wildlife and their habitats. The Toronto Zoo is increasingly called upon to make critical contributions in the areas of wildlife conservation and education around the world. More than ever before, the work we do behind the scenes is vital to the survival of animals and to each of us.

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Celebrating 40 Years Of Saving And Protecting Species At Home And Abroad

The Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier zoo and a leader in animal preservation and environmental protection. More than a tourist attraction, the Toronto Zoo boasts a number of leading programs for helping wildlife and their natural habitats - from species reintroduction to reproductive research. A world-class educational centre for people of all ages, the Toronto Zoo is open every day except December 25 and attracts approximately 1.3 million visitors each year.

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Toronto Zoo is accredited by CAZA (Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums). Look for this logo whenever you visit a Canadian zoo as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. For more information, visit caza.ca.