As millions race to throw out their Christmas trees before the 12th Night (on the 5th January) one zoo in Germany has come up with the ultimate recycling scheme.
Instead of throwing them onto a tip, bosses at Berlin Zoo take unsold, fresh trees and give them to their animals.
For some the evergreen first makes a tasty snack and for others, they are a toy which will improve their quality of life, say keepers.
Images released by the zoo show elephants, reindeer and even a European bison tucking into the prickly treat.
In a statement obtained by Newsflash the zoo said: “Traditionally, the old Christmas trees are removed from the apartment every year at the Knut festival, marking the end of the Christmas season.
“Berlin Zoo and Tierpark have been shaping the tradition from Sweden, Norway and Finland in their own way for years – and it is very popular.
“The zoo and animal park animals can look forward to a very special surprise after the Christmas holidays – Christmas trees.”
They added: “The needle-like trees are not a familiar plaything for the animal inhabitants, so creativity is required.
“The unusual shape, the interesting smell and the tingling feeling on the tongue ensure a feast for the senses for the animal inhabitants.
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“Back scratcher, toothpick or massage brush – elephants, wisents (European bison) and others are really impressed by the special activity opportunity.
“Of course, there is also a lot of snacking, after all, fir trees are not usually on the menu of the big zoo residents.
“Actively engaging with the extraordinary greens promotes both the animals’ mental and physical health by not only arousing their curiosity but also providing mental stimulation.”
However, the zoo says they cannot accept donations from members of the public chucking out their trees.
Zoo and animal park director Dr Andreas Knieriem said: “Unfortunately, we cannot accept private Christmas tree donations.
“When it comes to our partners’ trees, we can be sure that they are of harmless quality and therefore suitable for our animals. Animal welfare is always our top priority.”
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