LINTON Zoo is asking people to consider donating their Christmas trees to it before discarding them.

A spokesman for the Cambridgeshire zoo said: “Before you throw your Christmas trees on the rubbish pile please spare us a thought. Greenery is very important to our animals, so live rooted and growing trees can be given a second chance by being planted in one of our animal enclosures.

“Trees without roots can be used to decorate our aviaries and as enrichment for many of our animals including the lions, tigers and snow leopards. Once the cut trees have dried out they are used as fuel for our Bio-burner, this provides additional heating and hot water to help run our zoo at this very expensive, cold time of year.

Linton Zoo has already had a “fantastic” response to the appeal but needs more donations.Trees can be left at the front gate or on the drive if we’re closed.