BERLIN. The holiday spirit lingers at the Berlin Zoo as unsold Christmas trees are repurposed to delight its animal residents. On Friday, elephants and other animals received the festive leftovers in what has become a cherished annual tradition.
True to their playful nature, the elephants eagerly tore off branches with their trunks, flinging them across their enclosure or feasting on the greenery. “They don’t just serve as food; they are also used to keep the animals occupied,” explained Florian Sicks, the zoo’s curator for mammals.
“These fir trees offer enrichment in many ways. The animals can fight with them, rub against them, throw themselves over them, and engage in various activities,” Sicks added. “It’s a wonderful way to enhance their daily lives, and they are very happy about it.”
The zoo emphasizes safety in this tradition, accepting only fresh, unsold trees from select vendors. Trees from the public, which might contain harmful chemicals or leftover decorations, are strictly prohibited.
While elephants were the show’s stars, other animals also joined in the post-holiday fun. For the first time, giraffes received the belated treats, with the trees suspended upside down at their head height. Max, one of the giraffes, seemed to relish the greenery, while his companion, Mugambi, appeared less enthusiastic after inspecting the offering.
This heartwarming event benefits the animals by enriching their environment and serves as a sustainable way to repurpose unsold holiday trees. It’s a win-win, ensuring the festive season brings joy even after Christmas has passed.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
