Toronto Zoo panda exhibit opens to public

Er Shun, a female panda is seen relaxing at the Toronto Zoo in Toronto on Saturday, May 18, 2013.

TORONTO -- The Toronto Zoo's two new stars can finally meet their fans.

An exhibit featuring giant pandas on loan from China officially opens to the public today after two days of private tours for media, politicians and select zoo members.

Da Mao and his prospective mate Er Shun arrived to great fanfare in March but have been hidden from view while quarantined.

Pandas are solitary creatures, so they're housed separately, but will be temporarily brought together for mating season each year.

The pair will remain at the zoo for five years before heading to the Calgary Zoo for another five.

Their stay is being touted by Canadian and Chinese officials as a sign that ties between the two countries are getting stronger.