Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Announces the Return of Its Popular Christmas Tree Recycling Initiative for January 2025
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is thrilled to welcome back its much-loved Christmas tree recycling program for the fifth consecutive year in January 2025. This eco-friendly initiative, which has become a cornerstone of the zoo’s Green Zoo sustainability efforts, continues to grow in popularity and impact, making the upcoming year its most ambitious yet.
The program, a collaborative effort between Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, St. Peter’s Hospice, and North Somerset Council, invites local communities to repurpose their Christmas trees in support of sustainable practices and animal welfare. Over the years, the initiative has seen remarkable growth, starting with approximately 1,000 trees recycled in 2021 and reaching over 3,000 trees last year.
How It Works
Households across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset can participate in this meaningful project by making a donation to St. Peter’s Hospice and leaving their Christmas trees outside for collection from January 10–12, 2025. Alternatively, trees can be dropped off directly at the zoo between January 2–26, 2025, during opening hours (10:30 AM to 4:00 PM).
Sophie Cullinane, Community Fundraising Manager at St. Peter’s Hospice, shared her enthusiasm:
“We’re so excited to launch our 5th annual Christmas Tree Collection. Thanks to our valued partnership with Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, we can recycle collected trees on their premises, offering the Bristol community a convenient and sustainable way to dispose of their Christmas trees. By using the Tree Collection service, you can help support patients and their families when they need it most and prevent your old Christmas tree from going to waste. It’s a really easy way to make a difference to your community and the environment.”
A Treat for the Animals
Recycled Christmas trees play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of animals at Noah’s Ark. Tree chippings are repurposed to create enrichment opportunities across the zoo, benefiting species large and small:
- Spectacled Bears: The Andean Adventure habitat is transformed with fresh tree chippings, which provide a sensory feast for Madidi, Rasu, Tuichi, and Beni.
- Rhinos and Meerkats: Tree mulch is used to stimulate natural foraging behaviors, with food hidden beneath the chippings for these curious creatures to uncover.
- Elephants: The zoo’s largest residents enjoy the branches as both a festive snack and a foraging challenge, adding a seasonal twist to their diets.
Larry Bush, CEO of Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, highlighted the program’s dual benefits:
“This initiative is one of our favourite ways to start the year, benefiting both our animals and the environment. Together with North Somerset Council and our amazing supporters, we’re confident 2025 will be our biggest and best year yet!”
Sustainability in Action
The Christmas tree recycling program aligns with Noah’s Ark’s Green Zoo initiative, which focuses on sustainability and conservation. Visitors who purchased locally sourced Christmas trees from the zoo during the holiday season can complete the cycle by recycling their trees at the same location.
Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s executive member for climate, waste, and sustainability, commended the program’s impact:
“I’m delighted North Somerset Council is once again supporting these local Christmas tree recycling schemes. As well as raising a fantastic amount of money for local charities, the schemes ensure thousands of trees do not go to waste and can instead be repurposed and used again as a valuable resource.”
With its growing success and commitment to sustainability, the Christmas tree recycling initiative is set to kick off 2025 on a positive and eco-conscious note. For more details, visit Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm’s website or contact their team to learn how you can participate in this rewarding tradition.