Even after the holidays, the Christmas spirit continues to be felt at Berlin Zoo. To the delight of the park animals, it was time for them to unwrap their gifts. After celebrating the New Year, the elephants and other residents actually got some surprises from Santa.
Christmas trees left unsold after the holidays were distributed to the animals in the park, more specifically to the herbivores. Zoo officials are thus killing two birds with one stone. They fight against the waste of Christmas trees while benefiting animals.
Berlin Zoo collects fresh and unsold fir trees from certain sellers
In fact, tens of thousands of tons of fir trees are thrown away every year in France alone. Collection and recycling points are organized to properly recycle natural fir trees. They are generally transformed into compost and mulch.
The same goes for unsold trees that have not found a buyer in time for the end-of-year holiday season. The Berlin Zoo has gotten into the habit of harvesting some of these fir trees in order to distribute them to the animals.
In addition to being magnificent when decorated, the king of the forests is also a good source of food for herbivores. Of course, the Berlin Zoo does not accept trees from the public which may contain chemicals or decoration residue.
These Christmas trees are a great source of enrichment for animals
Every year, Berlin Zoo collects fresh and unsold fir trees from selected sellers. It must be said that elephants, giraffes and reindeer love it.
“They not only feed the animals, they also keep them occupied,” explains Florian Sicks, who works on the conservation of the zoo’s mammals. Elephants like to tear off branches with their trunks, whether to eat greenery or throw them into their enclosure.
These trees are a source of mental stimulation. Environmental enrichment is an important aspect of captive animal management. Taking into account the natural needs and biological behaviors of the species, enrichments occupy the animals mentally and physically.
The Berlin Zoo became known last year thanks to the Asian elephant Pang Pha. The latter learned to peel bananas on her own after watching humans do it from a young age.
As Florian Sicks explains, “Animals can fight with these trees, rub against them, pounce on them and do various other things with these trees. We thus enrich the animals’ daily lives and they are very happy.”
Giraffes were more reserved when discovering Christmas trees
Moreover, the elephants did not wait before devouring the Christmas trees, but not all the animals are so convinced by this strange tree that they do not necessarily know well.
For example, giraffes were given fir trees hung upside down. The giraffe Max did not hesitate to nibble on them, but his companion Mugambi preferred to inspect them at length. He finally decided he wasn’t interested.
Reindeer from Eurasian forests are less picky in terms of taste. They feasted on the branches of the fir trees. In any case, this gift distribution was a success for the Berlin Zoo.
Source: The Associated Press
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
