Scottsdale wildlife refuge asking for Christmas trees for animals to enjoy

PHOENIX — Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy the seasonal appeal of Christmas trees.

Scottsdale-based Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is asking for donations of Christmas trees so that its animals — especially bears and mountain lions — can play with them during the holiday season.

“Our animals love the Christmas trees to play with and enjoy,” Linda Searles, executive director and founder of the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, said in a press release. “The donations of fresh trees always bring our animals and staff some holiday cheer.”

The holiday season is an important fundraising time for the center, and it is asking for more than just the trees.

The center is also asking for other donations, including a forklift, chainsaws, generators, storage containers and medical and veterinary equipment.

Additionally, a wish list of preferred donations is available on the center’s website. An Amazon wish list is also available for those who want to donate.

The facility is caring for about 350 rescued animals right now, including coyotes, foxes and bobcats. Some of the animals will get released back into the wild while others will stay at the Scottsdale facility.

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