Reindeer-dung necklaces for sale

Sparkly reindeer-dung necklaces are going on sale at a US zoo that hopes to attract the same holiday shoppers who swept up its dung Christmas ornaments last year.

The limited-edition Magical Reindeer Gem necklaces will debut Friday at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois.

The $US15 (NZ$20.90) pendant necklaces contain dried, sterilised reindeer droppings - sprayed with glitter - on a beaded chain. They'll be available at the zoo's gift shop, or by mail for $US20.

The popular Christmas ornaments are also back, and 450 have already sold this season. 

Miller Park Zoological Society spokeswoman Susie Ohley admits it's a bit silly but estimates the zoo could make $US16,500 (NZ$22,764). The zoo lost $US200,000 (NZ$275,938) under city budget cuts this year.

- AP