Iconic pet reindeer in Alaska falls mysteriously ill after someone tampers in his pen

Anchorage, Alaska is currently rallying behind a beloved local reindeer named Star, who has fallen ill under mysterious circumstances after someone tampered with his pen. Star, an 8-year-old reindeer known for his appearances in parades and TV shows, has been suffering from pneumonia, digestive problems, and significant weight loss. His owner, Albert Whitehead, has been taking him to the veterinarian every other day to find a cause for his worsening condition. Veterinarian Sabrieta Holland has indicated that Star's prognosis remains uncertain.

Star lives in a pen connected to Whitehead's home, a setup that has been undisturbed for over two decades. In early January, the pen's fencing was compromised, allowing an unknown individual to enter and interact with Star for about five minutes. Soon after, Star began exhibiting serious health issues, leading to concerns that he may have ingested something harmful while outside his pen.

On February 20, police found Star wandering the downtown area and returned him to Whitehead. After reviewing security footage, Whitehead discovered that someone had used bolt cutters to remove locks from his pen and an alley gate, allowing Star to escape. The following night, a man wearing a scarf over his face was seen spraying unknown substances into the pen and even striking Star in the face. When confronted, the man claimed he was trying to help, though Whitehead suspects the sprays could have been harmful disinfectants.

Despite their efforts, Star's health has continued to decline, with veterinarians considering possible issues like blockages in his stomach or the effects of foreign objects such as plastic bags. Surgical intervention is an option, but complications are likely, especially given Star's fragile condition. The bond between Whitehead and Star is deeply significant; Whitehead's daily life is intertwined with caring for and walking with Star.

The tradition of keeping reindeer in Anchorage dates back to the 1950s when pioneers brought them to the area. Whitehead has dutifully cared for this lineage of reindeer since 2002, and the community is now holding its breath, hoping for Star's recovery. With the average reindeer lifespan being about 15 years, the fate of this iconic animal is especially poignant, reflecting the intertwined lives of humans and reindeer in this Alaskan city.