Pair makes themselves right at home
11/25/2019, 2:26 p.m.
Cookie and Ginger, two Siberian reindeer, are new attractions at the Oregon Zoo.
Two furry reindeer arrived at the Oregon Zoo last week and are making themselves right at home.
“Reindeer are amazing animals, and of course this is the perfect time of year to introduce them to our visitors,” said zoo director Dr. Don Moore.
Most people know about reindeer because of their connection to Santa Claus, which is a lot of fun, Moore said, but he also was excited to share some lesser-known facts, like the way their hooves click when they walk.
Another fun fact about reindeer? They’re the only species of deer where both males and females grow large antlers. Cookie and Ginger, the zoo’s two new reindeer arrivals, each sport a large set of antlers. Reindeer shed their antlers every year, with males shedding in early winter and females at the end of the season, which Dr. Moore points out, would make Santa’s team of eight tiny, antlered reindeer all females.
The zoo’s new pair are settling into their new habitat across from the Vollum Aviary, where guests can visit them through early January.