Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary Transforms Christmas Trees Into Toys
In Jacksonville, staff at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary teamed up with the local community to recycle Christmas trees in a way that benefits both the environment and the sanctuary's big cats.
Throughout December, residents were encouraged to drop off their chemical-free, natural Christmas trees at the sanctuary's front gate on Starratt Road. The trees become enrichment for lions, tigers, cougars, and bobcats, offering new scents, textures, and play opportunities that stimulate the animals' natural instincts. To ensure the trees were safe, donors were asked to remove all decorations, including lights, ornaments, tinsel, and hooks.
Although the sanctuary has now stopped accepting new tree donations, visitors are still welcome to stop by and see the cats enjoy the ones already collected.