Leftover Christmas trees decorate the animal exhibits at Toronto Zoo

Christmas finally came to the animals at the Toronto Zoo when they were given 109 unused fir trees to enjoy in their enclosures.

The Toronto Star reports that a Hamilton Home Depot donated the trees and that the animals seem pleased with the post-holiday haul.

“Providing these trees to our animals provides a novel enrichment opportunity,” Jaap Wensvoort, zoo wildlife nutritionist, told The Star. “Having access to the trees allows animals to better express their natural behaviours, which is directly related to their individual well-being and animal health in general.”

Wensvoort said that the Christmas tree donation program has been ongoing for five years and both animals and zoo keepers enjoy the occasion.

“I don’t think they even really know what Christmas is,” gorilla keeper Heidi Manicki Claffey said. “Or they’re probably thinking we haven’t seen them in a while.”

Zoo workers add a variety of treats compatible to the animal’s diet. The gorillas were surprised with fruit hidden among the tree branches and one-year-old polar bear Juno had her tree trimmed with herring.

Animal lovers on Twitter are praising the efforts of the zoo for finding a use for unwanted trees and giving the animals a change in environment.