Earlier this month, we welcomed four new residents – a group of male reindeer who arrived on the 5th of May from Hobbledown Heath in London. Their names are Todd, Dan, Chopper and Blitzen, and we’re already a little bit in love.
The boys are settling in beautifully and have wasted no time exploring their new home. Full of character and curiosity, they’ve already charmed our keeping team – and we’re sure they’ll be just as popular with you! They’ve been confidently investigating their surroundings and seem relaxed and content in their new paddock. Each wears a coloured head collar to help you tell them apart: brown for Todd, red for Dan, blue for Chopper, and green for Blitzen.
If reindeer seem right at home in the Scottish landscape, that’s no surprise. Thousands of years ago, they really were! Reindeer once roamed freely across Scotland but disappeared around 8,000 years ago, most likely due to a mix of overhunting and changes to their habitat. In the 1950s, a small herd was successfully reintroduced to the Cairngorms, where they’ve been thriving ever since. We feel really proud to share a little piece of that story here at the park.
“They’re a hardy species, perfectly adapted to colder climates,” says our Animal Collection Manager, Kristine Fennessy Alexander. “It’s the first time we’ve had reindeer here at the park, so it’s a really exciting addition for us. We’re looking forward to getting to know the boys and helping our visitors learn more about these fascinating animals.”
Reindeer are seriously impressive animals. Their thick winter coats keep them warm in icy temperatures, and their hooves actually change shape with the seasons to help them grip snow and soft ground. And here’s a festive fact that always raises eyebrows – reindeer are the only type of deer where both males and females grow antlers. But it’s the females who keep theirs through the winter. So if Santa’s sleigh is pulled by antlered reindeer… they’re almost certainly all girls!
As well as being seasonal favourites, reindeer are fascinating from a conservation point of view too. Their populations in the wild are increasingly affected by changing climates and shrinking habitats. Having them here gives us a great opportunity to spark conversations about the animals of colder regions and the importance of protecting them.
You can now see Todd, Dan, Chopper and Blitzen in their new paddock by the Birds of Prey centre. Keep your eyes peeled for those growing antlers and cheeky personalities – and be sure to give them a warm Scottish welcome on your next visit.