Watch this heart-warming video of young Mackinder’s eagle owl Kilifi practising her hunting skills, as she uses them to find items hidden in unwanted Christmas trees.

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, at Stonham Barns near Stowmarket, was overwhelmed with used trees after putting out an appeal following the festive season.

They were needed to provide valuable stimulation for the centre’s birds and animals.

“We were inundated with trees - it was great,” said manager Maz Robinson. ”We are using them for all the birds, as well as the meerkats, red squirrels and ferrets.”

She said the trees gave the birds hours of enjoyment. While the enclosures do contain other trees, the bushy leaves on the old Christmas trees add variety, especially at this time of year when many trees are bare.

The sanctuary is very grateful to everyone who donated old trees and towels, which were the subject of another appeal over the Christmas period, and does not need any more of them at the moment.

However, it is appealing for volunteers who can give up some of their time, especially anyone who is able to help with building work.

“We need to continue to build aviaries, so we are looking for people who can help,” Maz said.

If you can give up some of your time as a volunteer, contact the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary on 03456 807897.