Downtown Tree Becomes Elephant Snack

For the second year in a row, the Lawrenceburg downtown square’s live Christmas tree has become elephant food. The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN is a refuge for elephants that have been retired or rescued from circuses and zoos and can now live in a more natural habitat.

Since 1995, The Sanctuary has been able to provide care and rest for 28 elephants in need of a safe environment. They are currently home to 11 elephants who are now able to have the companionship of a herd, individualized care, and a safe haven.

The Sanctuary is closed to the public for visits, however you can still see the elephants thru the “EleCams” and observe them without disrupting them in their natural behavior. You can also visit the Elephant Discovery Center in Hohenwald that hosts an interactive exhibit of The Sanctuary.

The City of Lawrenceburg and Main Street Lawrenceburg are pleased to be able to donate the live Christmas tree after the Holiday Season for the elephants to enjoy as a snack. Many individuals donate their trees at the end of the season for the elephants to enjoy and we are excited to play a small part in these elephants’ rehabilitation process.

The live Christmas trees the city houses in their downtown square each year are donated by different families throughout Lawrence County. Families and individuals contact the city with a tree that is on their property that must be cut down due to encroaching property lines, power lines or other issues. The city forms a committee and selects the tree that they would like for the season. A special thank you goes to the Ed Matthews family for donating the tree for the 2019 Christmas Season.

For more information on The Sanctuary in Tennessee, visit https://www.elephants.com

Nosey snacks on part of a giant Christmas tree stuffed with hay and bananas! Big thanks to our neighbors in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, who donated their town square tree to the elephants for the second year in a row. - The Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee