Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in north Somerset is inviting the public to drop off their old Christmas trees, which will be used to enrich the lives of various animals, including spectacled bears, rhinos,

and African bull elephants. Over the past five years, the zoo has collected around 15,000 trees for this unique initiative.

Some of the donated trees will be chipped to create a fragrant, enriching environment for the spectacled bears, who enjoy the scent of pine, and for rhinos, who love to forage through the chippings. Meanwhile, whole trees will be given to the African bull elephants, who relish eating the branches and exploring the trees.

“We create a forest-like environment for the elephants by standing the trees upright in the sand,” explained the zoo’s curator, Chris Wilkinson. “They’ll eat parts of the trees, toss them around, and explore them for food we’ve hidden inside. The trees also have an unfamiliar smell, so many animals will enjoy rubbing against them.”

The spectacled bears, in particular, are drawn to the scent of the Christmas trees, which adds a new sensory experience to their habitat.

Since the scheme launched in 2021, it has grown steadily in popularity. In 2024 alone, around 3,000 trees were dropped off by members of the public. “It’s amazing to see how the initiative has taken off,” said Wilkinson. “We’re now officially partnered with North Somerset Council, and it’s become a great way for us, as a charity, to connect with the community and promote sustainability.”

The zoo has set up a drop-off point in its car park for those wishing to donate their trees. Trees can be delivered until 26 January. Photo by LondonHistoryatHome, Wikimedia commons.