Star lives in a fenced-in pen attached to a house at the edge of downtown Anchorage.
Alaska’s Beloved Reindeer Star Battles for Life After Tampering Incident
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A beloved reindeer in Anchorage, known for his appearances in parades, reality TV shows, and visits from schoolchildren, is fighting for his life after a mysterious tampering incident in his pen.
Star, an 8-year-old reindeer, suddenly began experiencing severe health issues, including pneumonia, digestion problems, and rapid weight loss. His owner, Albert Whitehead, has been taking him to the veterinarian every other day, hoping to find the cause and provide care. Veterinarian Sabrieta Holland described Star’s prognosis as “guarded.”
The trouble began when someone cut a large hole in the fencing of Star’s pen at Whitehead’s home in downtown Anchorage. In early January, the intruder spent about five minutes inside the enclosure before leaving. Afterward, Star began to show signs of distress, including stomach issues and unexplained weight loss.
In late February, Star was found wandering downtown Anchorage and was returned home by the police. A review of security footage revealed that someone had used bolt cutters to remove the padlocks from Star’s pen and an alley gate. Star had followed the individual out into the neighborhood and wandered around, eventually being found alone downtown.
The situation escalated the following night when Whitehead caught another suspicious individual on his security cameras. The man, wearing a scarf over his face, sprayed something into Star’s pen and twice hit the reindeer in the face with an unknown substance. Whitehead confronted the man, who claimed to be trying to help Star, but the nature of his actions remains unclear. Whitehead suspects the sprays may have been a disinfectant or deodorizer.
While Whitehead doesn’t believe the person intended harm, the actions have clearly affected Star. The reindeer’s pneumonia worsened, and Whitehead suspects Star may have ingested something harmful during his time wandering. It’s also possible that the sprays contributed to his condition. Veterinarians are considering surgery to check for blockages, though the outcome is uncertain.
The bond between Whitehead and Star is deep. “Albert’s daily life and reason for getting out for walks and such all are because of Star,” said veterinarian Holland. “It will be quite devastating for him if he loses Star.”
Star’s legacy dates back decades to when the tradition of caring for reindeer began in Anchorage. Whitehead took over the responsibility in 2002 and has continued the tradition. While the average lifespan of a reindeer is about 15 years, some have lived longer, like the first Star, who lived to 23. Sadly, other Stars have met tragic ends, including one who was stolen, beaten, and butchered by a thief.
As Whitehead continues to fight for Star’s recovery, the community hopes for a miracle for this cherished animal.