How many times is too many to go visit the pandas at the Calgary Zoo? We would argue the limit does not exist. The four giant pandas that reside at the zoo are just too cute not to keep visiting. There are currently four giant pandas and the two cubs will be departing in 2019.

Whether it’s with your squad, your date or your kids, the pandas are there to provide adorable entertainment and the perfect Instagram story content. Plus, the Calgary Zoo is a conservation organization and a visit to the zoo contributes to programs that help save species at risk such as giant pandas. We’re all about doing good and supporting the animals.

Do you remember when the giant pandas visited Calgary in 1988? It was equally as enticing minus the ability to share your panda experience on the internet. Even though there is no Snapchat evidence, we can’t help but dream about the infamous panda “slice-cream” that was sold during that giant panda visit. Alpha made the Neapolitan flavoured ice cream to add to the excitement of the pandas and as a sort of souvenir for everyone. The ice cream was sold in a brick and when you took off a slice, an image of a panda was revealed. With the Olympics and Slice Cream highlighting 1988, it makes sense that anyone who was living in Calgary at the time fondly remembers visiting the pandas and eating the ice cream.

A couple years ago, when the word got out that the pandas were coming back to Calgary, there was a furious rush to find a new manufacturer that would bring back the nostalgic treat. Unfortunately, there were no takers to create a new slice cream but some of our favourite local frozen treat businesses stepped up to the plate and created their own version of panda ice cream.

When you go to visit the pandas you can grab panda ice cream from Fiasco Gelato, delloR Ice Cream and UTCA Chimney Cakes. We won’t judge if you try all three. If you take a photo of your ice cream (you will) make sure you post it to social and tag us (@datenightyyc), the Calgary Zoo (@thecalgaryzoo) and all three ice cream companies (@fiascogelato, @delloricecream and@utcachimneycakes) and use the hashtag #pandaliciousyyc for your chance to win more delicious treats. For contest details, check out our website here and to enter head over to Instagram.

Visit the Calgary Zoo’s website for more info on the pandas.