The large Christmas tree that stood on Antwerp’s historic market square until Sunday morning has now been given a second lease of life on the savannah at Antwerp Zoo. The tree will serve as a toy or extra food for the giraffes. The elephants and other animals at the Zoo also received Christmas trees that had previously stood in various locations across the Antwerp metropolis. This is the second year in a row that the City of Antwerp has donated its Christmas trees to Antwerp zoo.
Antwerp Christmas trees get a second life at Antwerp Zoo: ‘Giraffes eat them, elephants trash them’
Colin Clapson
Published:
On Sunday morning, the large Christmas tree on Antwerp’s historic market square was transported to Antwerp Zoo by special transport and under police escort. The tree is 16 metres tall and weighs 4 tonnes. The slightly smaller tree from the Handschoenmarkt was also taken to the zoo by special lorry.
The Christmas tree from the market square was placed in the ground near the giraffes and rhinos, while the one from the Handschoenmarkt was put near the elephants. The animals do not all behave in the same way. ‘When they come outside, they suddenly see a giant fir tree,’ explains Cedric Goethals, zookeeper in the savannah section of the zoo.
‘At first, they will be a little hesitant; it's exciting because there's something new. Then they will slowly overcome their fear and come closer. The giraffes will probably start eating the tree. Elephants will immediately demolish the tree and use it for renovation work,’ laughs Goethals.
Asian elephants Sam and Max immediately set to work on the Christmas tree in their enclosure. They lifted it up and rubbed their bodies against it.
Collaboration with the Zoo
‘Just as we all want to get rid of our Christmas trees, so does the city of Antwerp,’ explains Mayor Els van Doesburg. ‘We do have quite a number of Christmas trees in the city, the largest of which was the one on the Grote Markt.’
‘Last year, we started a collaboration with the Zoo. The zoo authorities told us that the animals really enjoy playing with the trees, rubbing against them and eating them. The animals are very happy with their new play things. The giraffes even eat them, which is a marvel to see and witness!’