Yuletide Treat

Yesterday, January 6th, is the Epiphany, the official religious end of Christmastime, and theoretically the end of the holiday's celebrations.  Among other things, it means the clearing out of Christmas decorations - including the tree.  And what could make a more satisfying end of the Christmas tree than feeding it to an elephant?

Christmas tree feedings are the less-famous cousin of the Halloween pumpkin smash.  Which makes sense.  Far fewer animals eat pine trees than pumpkins, it's not nearly as satisfying as a spectacle (lacking the smash factor), it's not as relatable to the public (since we don't eat trees), and there tend to be far fewer visitors in January than in October.  Still, it's a fun seasonal treat that provides dietary diversity for some animals that benefit from a whole lot of roughage.

Unsold Christmas trees on the menu for elephants at Berlin Zoo

Nor is the benefit limited to animals that eat trees.  Christmas trees can provide fun enrichment in other ways, such as serving as hides, bedding material, and building materials.  That and they have fun smells.

Don't drag your tree to the zoo just yet.  Different zoos have different standards with what they'll accept, with some only taking unsold, unused trees.  These reduces the risk of hooks or other dangers accidentally being left in them and swallowed by animals.  You can, however, use your tree to the benefit of animals elsewhere by allowing birds or other small animals to use it for shelter out in your yard.