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You can still get a gander at some of Santa’s favorite furry friends at Beardsley Zoo, which is playing host to reindeer Sam and Jacob until New Year’s Day.
The yearling males will be enjoying their temporary digs near the Victorian Greenhouse so kids old and young can get an up-close peek.
“Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is proud to welcome our reindeer guests,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had reindeer at the Zoo, so we encourage everyone to come visit them while they’re here. It’s an incredible opportunity for our guests to see these fascinating animals up close.”
The zoo shared some fun facts on reindeer in anticipation of their visit.
Rudolph aside, reindeer are the only deer species to have fur completely covering their noses. They also have the largest and heaviest antlers of all living deer species and both males and females sport the fancy headgear.
Reindeer weigh between 240 and 600 pounds and are usually four to five feet tall.
Recently, researchers at University College London discovered reindeer are the only mammals that can see ultraviolet light, a clear advantage in the glowing white landscape of the Arctic.
People’s United Bank, Wheels Up and Aquarion Water Co. sponsored the zoo’s reindeer visit.
For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.
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