Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in north Somerset is asking the public to donate their old Christmas trees to be recycled as “enrichment” for their animals. Over the past five years, the zoo has accepted roughly 15,000 trees, which are used to make chippings for the spectacled bears that enjoy the pine scent and rhinos that enjoy foraging through them. Other trees are given to the zoo’s African bull elephants, who eat the branches and forage through the trees.
Zoo Curator Chris Wilkinson has stated the trees would make a real difference to some of the animals, and have a lovely smell, which most of them are not used to, making it an interesting and engaging experience for them. For example, for the elephants, habitat full of sand means that they could bury the trees and position them to create a whole forest for the animals to come and explore and play around with.
The scheme has grown in popularity and success since it began in 2021, with around 3,000 people bringing their donated Christmas trees to the zoo in 2024. Mr Wilkinson also states that the zoo is officially partnered with North Somerset Council as a charity hub for this type of recycling scheme, allowing them to help the community.
The zoo’s car park will offer a Christmas tree drop-off point until the 26th of January. This initiative is unique and much welcomed, as it supports the zoo’s mission statement, which emphasises the importance of conservation and preservation of animals’ natural habitats, as well as the environment we all call home. So this recycling practice is undoubtedly a win-win for its participants
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