Zoodoo Zoo on the hunt for Christmas trees for animal enrichment

Christmas may be over, but for animals at a Tasmanian zoo the festivities are just getting started. From goats to lions, critters are big fans of trees and it’s a great way to repurpose those pines. Find out how you can help >>

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CHRISTMAS may be over, but for animals at a Tasmanian zoo the festivities are just getting started.

From goats to lions, the animals at Zoodoo Zoo are big fans of Christmas trees — and Tasmanians are being urged to consider donating theirs for a great cause.

Managing director Donna Cuttriss said the trees can be reused and recycled to create enrichment for the animals.

“These pine trees are great as occasional forage treats for animals such as camels and kangaroos,” she said.

Zoodoo Zoo is after donations of still-alive Christmas trees to use at the park, exotic animal leader Sean Cooke with Common Marmosets. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

“Parrots enjoy shredding them while other birds will use the needles as nesting material.

“Meerkats, gliders and other insectivores enjoy fossicking for insects in them while others like monkeys, lions, quolls and reptiles benefit from the ongoing changes to their habitats in which to demonstrate their natural behaviours, including exploring the new scents.

“There are endless uses for the branches, pine cones and pine needles which will be utilised by our newly released Junior Keeper for a Day program as they learn first-hand how to make a variety of enrichment items themselves.”

So far 10 trees had been donated by the community, but Ms Cuttriss said they were still hoping to receive many more.

Exotic animal leader Sean Cooke with Common Marmoset. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

“These can be brought in during business hours throughout December as long as they are still green. If wanting to visit the zoo on the same day, donors can receive a 10 per cent discount on entry as part of our Do Good Discount initiative,” she said.

Ms Cuttriss said other Do Good Discounts included ink cartridges for Planet Ark, bread tags for wheelchairs, and phones and tablets for Phonecycle.

“We are pleased to offer these discounts to the community so they can benefit from our motto of Doing Good by Doing Good.”

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