Delamere trees prove a roaring success (From Northwich Guardian)
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Delamere trees prove a roaring success
2:00pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News
By Emma Rigby
Trees prove roaring success
DELAMERE Forest has proved a roaring success with Chester Zoo after it donated more than 50 Christmas trees to the big cats.
Left over trees were donated following the Cheshire forest’s annual Christmas tree sale, with the Forestry Commission donating around 50 to the zoo, which are now being enjoyed by three Asiatic lions called Kumari, Kiburi and Iblis.
“We are really pleased that the lions have had so much enjoyment from the trees which would have otherwise gone to waste,” said forest ranger Duncan MacNaughton.
The trees are being thrown into the enclosure every few weeks, providing hours of fun and entertainment for the furry trio.
Carnivore keeper Shane Blake said: “The trees are used as enrichment for many of our species including our Sumatran lions, Visayan warty pigs and various species of monkey.
“It’s something different for the animals, a nice bit of greenery for them in winter and the lions in particular certainly love to scratch their backs on them and roll around and have a good play.”
The Forestry Commission is hoping to continue its partnership with Chester Zoo, planning to donate further trees from Delamere to the animals throughout 2013.
