We are not the only ones enjoying delicious food this Christmas. The elephants of Safari Park Beekse Bergen are also treated to a Christmas meal. Although some of the goodies are stolen by the baboons.
The elephants come out a little awkwardly on Christmas Day. But as soon as they see Christmas trees decorated with peppers, apples, pears and pumpkins, they flock to them. The trees are pushed over and lifted to get all the goodies out. And when that runs out, the Christmas trees are also eaten.
Head caretaker of the elephants Yvonne Vogels is watching with a big smile. “Elephants eat trees, including Christmas trees,” she explains. “Those needles don’t bother them at all. In Africa they eat acacias, which also have very large pins on them. So they can handle them.”
“The baboons also know our Christmas tradition.”
When the elephants aren’t paying attention, the baboons come running. They quickly grab as many treats as possible and then quickly run off again.
Head caregiver Yvonne can laugh about it. “The baboons also know our Christmas tradition. The first one who sees that the Christmas trees are there gives a shout to the rest. And then they dive towards the Christmas trees to take out the goodies. They have to be quick, because as soon as the elephants come close, they don’t dare anymore.”
“These animals really enjoy it when they get something different.”
Hundreds of visitors stand along the side to watch the special Christmas meal. Ingrid is one of them. “So nice to see. Those animals really enjoy it when they get something different.” 11-year-old Rob laughs when he sees that they eat not only the decorations, but also the Christmas tree itself. “They play with it too,” he calls to his mother.
On Boxing Day, the elephants can once again sit down for a Christmas lunch. Decorated Christmas trees are also on the menu. 13-year-old Tobie enjoys watching it, even though there is something different on his menu. “We’ll just eat patties with ragout later.” Karin will also sit down at the table. “Eating croissants together with orange juice. No Christmas tree with bell peppers,” she concludes with a laugh.
