Alberta wildlife centre accepting Christmas tree donations

If you've hoped your Christmas tree would continue to have a life after the holidays, you're in luck.

The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservationis accepting Christmas tree donations to help reduce the stress of the animals in their care.

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"Asmall little bird, let's say acrossbill,will sit in the tree instead of sitting in a plastic perch," said Katie Dunden, institute spokesperson. "And then he just is happier, he feels more in a natural environment as he would be in the wild instead of just sitting in plastic or metal or something fake."

The instituteincludes an accredited vet clinicandcares for hundreds of injured or orphaned animals each year.

It accepts both real and artificial tree donations, as long as they arestripped of all tinsel, lights, and decorations.

"Live is always good because it's more natural, but artificial are great because they last forever. And it's all about just giving the animals a more natural habitat. ... If they haveto sit in their cage for a week, if they have a tree, it makes it all the better," saysDunden.

Trees can be dropped off at the institute,which is located about 45 minutesoutside of Calgary in the hamlet of Madden, until Jan. 10.

If you'remore of a tree traditionalist and are looking to recycle in town, the city begins itsannual Christmas tree recycling for real trees on Jan. 8.