Bamboo shortage fears force Canada to part with pandas

A Canadian zoo is shipping two pandas home to China after the coronavirus pandemic left it struggling to source the massive bamboo stockpiles needed to feed the giant creatures.

Er Shun and her mate Da Mao have lived in the country since 2013 as part of a 10-year loan agreement with a breeding facility in Chengdu.

The arrival of the cute and furry animals was a huge spectacle that was broadcast live on all major Canadian television networks.

Er Shun later mothered twin cubs - the first pandas born on Canadian soil. But Calgary Zoo said it was cutting short the pair's stay because the Covid-19 outbreak had disrupted transport links and made it harder to supply the 40 kilograms of bamboo a typical adult panda eats each day.

Staff had worked to find alternative bamboo providers but there were concerns that supplies could be disrupted without warning.

Er Shun and Da Mao's cubs have already been relocated to China, said national broadcaster CBC.