The One Place In Nebraska Where Christmas Trees Go To Die

Now that the holidays are over and we're all starting to settle back into real life, we're dealing with the real-world leftovers of our festivities. There are still cardboard boxes waiting to be taken out with the recycling (at my house, anyway) and, if it hasn't already, the Christmas tree will soon need to be taken down. If you're in the Omaha area and had a natural tree this year, you may be able to give it a second life.

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari are accepting donations of used natural Christmas trees through January 8th.

The trees are used for a variety of purposes, all of which directly benefit the animals. They'll be used for enrichment activities, like this one shown here at the Zoological Society of London. The animals - many of which have never seen an evergreen tree - will get to play with and explore the trees in their own habitats.

There are some pretty strict requirements for the trees, which are necessary to keep the animals safe.

To be eligible for donation, trees must not have been treated with any chemicals, including pet repellants, spray-on snow, glitter, or flame retardants. Every last piece of decoration must be removed, including tinsel, ornament hangers, and shards from any ornaments that may have broken in the tree. Just look at how happy that bear is and think of how much happier he would be with a fun new toy given from your family to his.

Although this video is from the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee and not the Omaha Zoo, it's an adorable example of how donated trees might be used. Some animals, like elephants, eat the trees to supplement their diets.

Natural, untreated, clean trees will be accepted through January 8th at the northwest corner of the zoo parking lot. For more information on donating your tree, follow this link to the zoo's website.

While you're there dropping off your tree, why not stay a while and see some of the zoo's many fascinating exhibits? For a small sample of what you can see there, check out our previous features on the aquarium's underwater tunnel, the impressive desert dome, and Durham TreeTops restaurant.