Tis the season for The Elephant Sanctuary’s annual Christmas Tree Drive
Elephants are the world’s largest land animal, which means that have big appetites. In fact, elephants can consume approximately 150 pounds of fruits, vegetables, grain and plant material each day, including Christmas trees, which contain sweet resin that is high in nutrients.
December 26 through January 2, Middle Tennessee residents are invited to donate their Christmas trees to the elephants at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Because the elephant’s habitats are not open for public visitation, Caregivers will deliver the donated trees to the habitats to provide enrichment and supplement the elephants’ decreased foraging opportunities during the winter months.
“We have seen great success with the Christmas Tree program the last two years thanks to our generous local supporters. The donated trees provide enrichment for the elephants also allow the public to participate in eco-friendly practices by keeping less waste from entering our landfills,” said Lead Caregiver Kristy E., who helped to spearhead the program.
Last year, individual and corporate supporters across Middle Tennessee and North Alabama traveled to The Sanctuary’s Elephant Discovery Center to drop off their used trees and learn more about the elephants in residence. Through hands-on, self-guided exhibits, visitors to The Discovery Center are invited to learn about how elephants shape our world.
Donated trees may be brought to The Elephant Sanctuary’s Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald where there will be a designated drop-off location. The Sanctuary requests no more than five trees per household. Tinsel and decorations must be removed from Christmas trees prior to donation. Trees containing paint or dye will not be accepted. The elephants’ habitats are closed to the public. Please call 931-796-6500 with questions.