Wineka column: Tiger beat — Big cats love the allure of discarded Christmas trees

Storm, white tiger cub at Tiger World, plays with a discarded Christmas tree in one of the tiger enclosures at Tiger World in Southeastern Rowan County. The trees are used to help stimulate activity in the animals. During the traditional low attendance days in January, Tiger World allows zoo visitors bring in a tree for free admission. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post Nick Rich, facility manager at Tiger World, sprays a discarded Christmas tree with deer buck scent after it was placed in one of the tiger enclosures.

Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post Meka, a 2-year-old Bengal Tiger, smells a discarded Christmas tree at one of the enclosures at Tiger World. Visitors who bring a tree get in free.

Katy Massey prepares to place a discarded Christmas tree in one of the tiger enclosures at Tiger World in Southeastern Rowan County. The trees are used to help stimulate activity in the animals. During the traditional low attendance days in January, Tiger World allows zoo visitors bring in a tree for free admission. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

Mohan, a 2-year-old white tiger, pick up a discarded Christmas tree in one of the tiger enclosures at Tiger World in Southeastern Rowan County. The trees are used to help stimulate activity in the animals. During the traditional low attendance days in January, Tiger World allows zoo visitors bring in a tree for free admission. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

Storm, a snow tiger cub at Tiger World, keeps an eye on Star, the lion cub at left, while playing with a discarded Christmas tree.