MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - "Just destroyed the property. There are beer bottles and cans. They've been shooting .22's back here and there is trash all over the ground and it's time we took a stand on it," said President of Agricenter International, John Wilson.
Wilson is frustrated about teenagers having a party and vandalizing the bamboo farm. Over the weekend, teens built a bonfire in the middle of the farm, tore up the irrigation system, and drove everywhere, destroying the primary food source for pandas at the Memphis Zoo.
"It's very unfortunate to hear that something like this happened especially in a way that it affects the zoo somewhat. I mean this is a great partner of ours and they do a lot to help the zoo and feeding our animal population," said Abbey Dane with the Memphis Zoo.
Ya Ya is one of two pandas at the Memphis Zoo. She goes through 50 pounds of bamboo every day. Fortunately, the food for the pandas is okay.
"The actual food supply for the pandas and other animals inside the zoo has not been affected at all. They're still very well taken care of and we actually have other supplies around the city," said Abbey Dane.
Back at the bamboo farm, Wilson said this is not the first time this has happened. A similar incident happened last year.
As for this year's damage, he said, "It did over $6,000 worth of damage and we're very upset about it and it's time to stop it."
Wilson said he knows exactly who the suspected teens are because they left homework behind, along with a W-2.
"Well we are dealing with the Shelby County Sheriff's department and detectives are on it and we expect some arrests soon," said Wilson.
