Suffolk Owl Sanctuary: Old Christmas trees sought for meerkats

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary meerkats live in "Meerkat Kastle" and are a popular attraction for visitors

A nature charity is appealing to the public to donate their old Christmas trees for its meerkats.

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary's plea comes a week after it asked for towels to help with handling injured birds and was overwhelmed by the response.

Now, it is appealing for used Christmas trees for its 11 meerkats, a popular visitor attraction at the sanctuary, in Stonham Aspal.

The sanctuary was established in 2001 and includes an owl hospital.

The meerkats can play and hide in the trees

Nick Wallbridge, of the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, said the "towels for owls" appeal had been a great success.

"We use the towels in the hospital. It gives the owls something comfortable to sit on and keeps them safe and warm," he said.

He said the trees are needed for the meerkats which the animal "play in or hide bits of food, like bananas, in".

"It helps provide stimulation for them," said Mr Wallbridge.

He said the charity was looking for real Christmas trees and added: "The only thing we ask is that the trees don't have artificial snow on them or tinsel or glitter spray. If people can bring that around to us that would be brilliant."

The sanctuary allows the public to get "up close and personal" with the meerkats at "Meet the Meerkats" encounter sessions