Panda Updates – Wednesday, April 24

Shoots! We have finally begun to harvest bamboo shoots in large enough quantities that we can replace a significant portion of the giant pandas’ bamboo with shoots. As mentioned before, bamboo shoots are the young bamboo that pops out of the ground this time of year. Shoots are full of nutrients and are a hit, no matter the species. As more shoots come out of the ground, we will soon be able to completely replace the giant pandas’ normal bamboo and feed exclusively shoots for a little while, mimicking what the pandas would be eating in the wild at this time of year. Unfortunately, as quickly as the shoots appeared, they will be gone again. We will enjoy them while we can. 
Shauna
Keeper II, Mammals