Tis the season for The Elephant Sanctuary's annual Christmas Tree Drive

At The Elephant Sanctuary, caregivers are sure not to leave the elephants out of holiday festivities! Asian elephant Billie received presents filled with hay, holiday spices, and bamboo, one of her favorite snacks. Caregivers strung oranges on a tree in her habitat as ornaments and even included a carrot nose on her cardboard snowman. Like a child on Christmas morning, she quickly opened the presents one by one with her trunk to discover what was inside.

Local residents are invited to donate their Christmas trees to the elephants at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee through January 5, 2021. Donated trees provide enrichment and supplement the elephants' winter diets.

"We have seen great success with the Christmas Tree program thanks to our generous neighbors. The donated trees provide enrichment for the elephants and also allow the public to participate in eco-friendly practices by giving the trees a second life and keeping them out of the landfill," said Lead Caregiver Kristy E., who helped to spearhead the program.

Trees may be brought to The Elephant Sanctuary's Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald. The Sanctuary requests no more than five trees per household. Tinsel and decorations must be removed from Christmas trees prior to donation. The elephants' habitats are closed to the public. Call 931-796-6500 with questions.