These Lions Have Been Given Old Christmas Trees To Play With Because They're "Like Catnip"

    Don't just chuck your tree away, make a big cat happy!

    Here's Zuri the lion enjoying a Christmas tree at Linton Zoo.

    Linton's director, Kim Simmons, told the BBC that the trees are "like catnip".

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    The broadcaster reported: "Catnip, sometimes known at catmint, is a plant of the mint family and can cause many cats euphoria."

    The zoo has put out an appeal for more trees.

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    And it asked for donations in a press release:

    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 at life by being planted in one of our animal enclosures or our new woodland area.

    Trees without roots are used to decorate our aviaries and as enrichment for many of our animals including the lions, tigers and snow leopards.

    You can leave trees at the front gate of the zoo if it's closed, and make a cat happy.

    Who knew?

    View this video on YouTube

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