At the Berlin Zoo, it’s time for the animals to enjoy their Christmas presents. On Friday, the zoo gave leftover trees that didn’t find a home during the holiday season to the animals, making it an annual tradition. The elephants, in particular, had a great time, using their trunks to rip off branches, tossing them around their enclosures or munching on the greenery.
The zoo only accepts fresh, unsold trees from selected vendors, ensuring they don’t come from the public, as those could have chemicals or decorations left on them.
Florian Sicks, the zoo’s mammal curator, explained that these trees serve more than just as food. They also provide enrichment for the animals, offering them something to interact with. The animals can wrestle with the trees, rub against them, or even throw them around, making for a fun and stimulating experience that adds excitement to their daily routine.
While the elephants devoured most of the tree, other animals took a more reserved approach. This year, the giraffes received their first Christmas treat—trees hung upside down at their head height. Max seemed to enjoy more than just a taste of the greenery, but his companion Mugambi seemed skeptical, giving the tree a cautious inspection before moving on.
