National Zoo Pleads For Bamboo As Supply Dwindles

(WJZ/AP) - The National Zoo is running critically low on bamboo to feed its animals and is asking local farmers for help. The zoo harvests about 75,000 pounds of bamboo each year for its giant pandas, red pandas, Asian elephants, gorillas and other animals.
The bamboo is grown at the zoo and several other locations in the region. But this year, officials say the bamboo stands are having trouble regrowing. Continued

Photo: Kim Choate