Where old trees go to retire
REPURPOSING an old tree to a lion enclosure at a zoo is possibly the last thing Geof and Dawn Wright thought they’d ever be doing in their lifetime, but when the local farmers had to cut down a 25 tonne monster proving a hazard on their property that’s exactly what happened.
Making a delivery of the trunk pictured to Taronga Western Plains Zoo on Sunday, August 27, the site caused quite a stir for zoo goers attending a large event there.
“We went to the zoo not realising there was a zoo run taking place and that there would be so many people,” explained Geof.
“We went in order to see where the various trees would be located. When we informed the first zoo attendant we spoke to that we had donated the trees she said the tree caused quite a stir when it arrived with cameras being flashed everywhere due to its size and then not being able to go through the front gate had to be escorted around to the back gates.
“That tree we were told was placed in the new lion exhibit being built which will be opened to the public in December. We were told there will be around 25 lions in that exhibit in contrast to the present number of nine lions. You will find it next to a lake near the end of the zoo where there used to be birds.
It took two excavators to load the trunk pictured. Other trees were delivered and went to the Savanna exhibit.
“When the trees were delivered to the Savanna exhibit the giraffes essentially went ape over the trees licking them and chewing the bark. Apparently there was a zoo bus group who were privileged to see all this take place. Anyway great ending for these trees whose life was literally cut short but have gone on to create enjoyment for others,” said Dawn.
The trees were becoming increasingly dangerous during winds and storms as they were located next to an access road to their property.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo were very willing to take the trees for use in their exhibitions.