FOR

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO ALL MEDIA MARCH 25th, 2013

Panda Perseverance Paid Off, Panda-man Councillor Mammoliti says 3 Trips to China Sealed Deal
It couldnt be done. Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, as Chair of the Toronto Zoo, was told by former Mayors Mel Lastman and David Miller as well as by Prime Ministers Chretien and Martin, who refused to sign letters to the Chinese government asserting Toronto Zoo interest in hosting the furry diplomats. Many were actively discouraging. To be honest, Mayor Ford has also said the same discouraging things, Mammoliti reveals. They all basically said I was wasting my time, Mammoliti continues. So I went out to China as Chair of the board in the 2001, I headed up an economic development delegation then and that's when we negotiated with the Chongqing Zoo officials (Toronto's sister Zoo) for the first time to add giant panda's to the list of animals we would work toward in exchanges programme with the Chongqing Zoo and the Beijing government. He pauses, clearly excited. We have re- affirmed that deal with me as an official representative for the Zoo and City of Toronto twice since then with myself heading up the delegation trips.

Initially Took Media Hits for Efforts

On all occasions when visiting China, in 2001, 2005, 2008, I took a hit in the media and with my colleagues calling it a junket with nothing that will come out of it. everyone was initially skeptical.

Where: Fed Ex World Service Centre 6895 Bramalea Rd. Mississauga

When: 9:30 AM for invited guests Monday, March 25, 2013

Now, I am going to be joined by zoo officials and Mrs. Harper at the airport as Fedex invited us to join them on the arrival. Fedex is the official sponsor to get them here. Finally they are here. After bear hugs, I might even help the Pandas with their luggage, Mammoliti smiles. For more information please contact (416) 395-6401 Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti

Councillor Mammoliti & Panda at Chongqing Zoo, China -30-