Toronto Zoo pandas arrive in Canada

TORONTO, March 25 (UPI) -- The Toronto Zoo announced its two pandas arrived in the city from China just before 11 a.m. Monday and were given a police escort to the zoo.

The facility said Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Toronto Mayor Rob Ford were among the officials greeting the pandas, which arrived via FedEx plane at 10:46 a.m. and were scheduled to arrive at the zoo about 1 p.m., the zoo said.

"Well that was quite a moment. It's not every day you get to sign for pandas," Harper said after signing for the delivery.

"It is a great honor to be entrusted with Er Shun and Da Mao, two of China's national treasures," the prime minister said. "Their presence in Canada today and for the next 10 years will remind us of the strong relationship between our countries and will delight the many Canadians who will visit the zoos to see them."