Jessica tells us “All About Reindeer,” from Scandinavia to Jefferson, NH.  The species originated in Lapland of the Scandinavian Peninsula. From here wild subspecies traveled to different parts of Europe, North America, and Russia. The Sami people of Lapland domesticated them for herding by 800 AD.  Reindeer continue to play a huge role in their native culture, with 900 still active Sami reindeer herders in the region.

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Closer to home, Santa's Village has 29 reindeer, all of which were born and raised there.  The reindeer are exhibited at the Reindeer Rendezvous show barn (where our next-day field trip will take place).

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The natural habitat of a reindeer is the arctic tundra, and they have adapted to live in this harsh environment.  Their thick coats, large hooves, and lean limbs allow them to survive.  They migrate in herds that average 50,000 animals large, but can get up to 250,000 animals in herds like the Taimyr herd of Siberia, which is the largest herd in the world.  Reindeer are the only deer species where the males and females both grow a set of antlers. Jessica will bring a male and female set of antlers for people to see and handle.