Of gorillas and turfgrass

The turfgrass researchers who so ably assist golf courses also advise other clients, including zoos. On a recent visit to the Cincinnati Zoo, Dr. Gwen Stahnke from Washington State University, revealed that in the late '70s she was a graduate student of Dr. James Beard. Beard revealed that the Cincinnati Zoo had called upon his expertise because the grass in the gorilla enclosure was quite literally taking a beating from the inhabitants. Besides being able to withstand heavy traffic, a successful grass would also have to be shade- and drought-tolerant. Dr. Beard recommended kikuyugrass. A look at the gorilla exhibit last Sunday revealed that the kikuyugrass is thriving in the shade of a large rock and in some other areas in the enclosure despite this summer's extreme drought.