Christmas also takes place at Hellabrunn Zoo: raccoons, zebras and kangaroos were given delicious presents before the holidays.
Munich – Apples, fish or peppers under the Christmas tree: Hellabrunn Zoo gave its residents a little surprise before Christmas. As every year, the zookeepers festively decorated one or more Christmas trees in each enclosure with treats. This time it was the turn of, among others, moose, Nilgau antelope, raccoons, rockhopper penguins, kangaroos, zebras and elephants. A selection of the most beautiful photos.
Christmas trees with treats for four-legged friends in Hellabrunn Zoo
As the zoo writes in a press release, the animals' reactions to this were very different:
“Whether curious, enthusiastic or reserved: It is exciting to observe how the different animal species react to the tree decorated with treats.” While some animals initially cautiously inspect the unknown greenery, others happily pounce directly on the fir tree.”
Raccoons and arctic foxes, for example, would immediately explore the trees and “curiously take apart the decorations and hidden treats.” However, escape animals approached the decorated trees “with a certain degree of caution.”
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Kangaroos and zebras approach the trees in the zoo with caution
It would take some time for the red kangaroos to approach the fir tree decorated with apples. Moose, on the other hand, were not interested in the decoration at all, but rather “enjoyed the 'naked' fir trees,” as the trees were also part of the main food in their original habitat.
For the zebras and kudu there were peppers and fruit on the trees: the animals initially had to react to this with curiosity, but then they were switched back to their usual food. Apparently not that easy to imprint.
Fish for penguins – Hellabrunn Zoo also open over Christmas
The decoration for the rockhopper penguins looked different: here the actual feast, namely several fish, lay under the fir tree. The Christmas tree decorated with paper stars was just an accessory for the waterfowl.
Hellabrunn Zoo is also open on public holidays at the following times:
- December 24th (Christmas Eve): 9 a.m. – 4 p.m
- December 25th (Christmas Day): 9 a.m. – 5 p.m
- December 26th (Boxing Day): 9am – 5pm
- December 31st (New Year's Eve): 9 a.m. – 4 p.m
- January 1st (New Year): 9 a.m. – 5 p.m
Even after Christmas, a further supply of fir trees will be provided: with pollutant-free, unsold Christmas trees from selected retailers. However, Christmas trees from private households cannot be accepted.
