Reindeer

Reindeer are found to the north in the arctic and subarctic regions. They are constantly on the move covering huge distances up to 3,000 miles in a year.

They are well designed for life in extreme temperatures with a thick, double layered coat to keep them warm. Their hooves also expand in summer when the ground is soft and shrink in winter when the ground is hard, this allows a better purchase on the ground when they walk.

Reindeer can live in huge herds with over 50,000 individuals. Both male and female reindeer have antlers. Each year they all develop velvet on them before shedding it in breeding season. They then lose their antlers altogether with males losing them first and before the Christmas period, meaning Santa’s reindeer are all actually female!

Reindeer may not be able to fly in real life but they can run fast! They can reach speeds of up to 50mph if they need to! You may also notice when they walk they make a clicking sound. This is the noise of a tendon in their foot passing over a bone and it is often thought is a way of the herd keeping together in poor visibility.

About our reindeer

Here at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park we have two reindeer, Dolph our male and Rowan, our female. They are often joined each year by females from other collections for breeding. Dolph enjoys having his herd of females and can be seen strutting proudly around his enclosure, keeping a watchful eye on his ladies!