By Tammy Thornton
Taking down the Christmas tree and kicking it to the curb can be a bit depressing. Take heart! You can feel a little better knowing that your Christmas trees can be repurposed for a good cause. Animals at the Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Mays Landing love Christmas trees. Jolly the Goat finds them to be a tasty treat, and Yogi the Bull tosses six-foot trees into the air as mere playthings.
Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary is a 15-acre privately owned farm that has been sheltering and caring for unwanted, sick, elderly, injured, and abused animals since 2000. Currently, over 550 animals are being cared for and living out their best lives at the farm. Visitors will quickly understand how the farm got its name, as they see beautiful peacocks, crazy chickens, and curious llamas roaming freely among the guests. It’s easy to forget your troubles and laugh as a gaggle of geese pass by to one side while ducks seemingly late for a party race in the other direction.
This time of year, the Christmas trees provide added entertainment for the animals as residents from the Shore Local area drop off their trees for the animals to enjoy. According to Laurie Zaleski, president and owner of the farm, “Some animals use the trees as huge hairbrushes and backscratchers. The goats, cows, and pigs eat them, and the horses and bulls play with them.”
Recently, the animals were treated to a famous Christmas tree. You may have heard about the tree that was placed on North Street Beach in Ocean City by Sue McElwee. Though McElwee began the tradition a few years ago, this year’s tree garnered much praise and attention as people yearned for some goodness after this difficult year. When it was time to take the tree down, McElwee decided their little tree could continue to provide happiness to others. McElwee said, “We were honored to donate the tree to [the] Funny Farm. I’ve heard about all the wonderful things they do for animals from our friends. We’ve never been and I thought that it would be a great opportunity for my kids to visit and give back to the animals. We’re all animal lovers and really enjoyed seeing Yogi with the North Street tree. The little tree by the sea that brought so much joy continued on with the animals.”
In addition to Christmas trees, the Funny Farm always appreciates donations of time, money, and supplies for the animals. Social distancing procedures are in place for visitors, and hand washing stations are placed around the farm. It is open to the public on Tuesdays and Sundays only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors must wear masks and complete the on-line waiver before arrival. For more information, go to www.funnyfarmrescue.org, or visit their Facebook page for the latest events.
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
