ANIMAL WORLD: Zoo Will Avoid Fines for Panda Poisoning

The Associated Press reports that the National Zoo will avoid a $650 fine from the District for a contractor's use of rat poison that killed two rare red pandas in 2003. A seperate agreement allows the city to "conduct tests and copy records" at the National Zoo (despite that it is a federal facility) but also allow for the zoo to set and control its own pest control policies.

"Zoo Won't Have to Pay Fine for Use of Rat Poisoning" [AP via WTOP]