Safari seeks Xmas trees

DANBURY TWP. — Christmas Day has come and gone, and the time to take down holiday decorations has arrived. Eco-conscious Ohioans looking to sustainably dispose of their Christmas trees can bring them to African Safari Wildlife Park — 267 S. Lightner Road, Port Clinton — as a post-holiday treat for alpacas, bison, cattle and deer. "The trees will be used as enrichment, which is defined as a stimulant that encourages natural behavior to improve animal wellness," according to a safari statement. Kelsey Keller, the safari's chief operating officer, explained: "Christmas trees are some of the best enrichment items out there. The animals love to toss them around, rub their horns and antlers on them and smell the fragrant pine needles. When the animals are done playing, the remnants of the trees are composted and used as mulch around the Park in the spring." Trees can be dropped off at the designated area of the park's main parking lot. Donations will be accepted daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday. For animal safety, decorations such as ornaments, lights, ribbon and hooks should be removed from trees prior to donation. Artificial trees will not be accepted.