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

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A beloved reindeer named Star, known for his presence in parades and local reality shows, is currently fighting for his life after a series of mysterious health issues began following unauthorized tampering with his pen. The 8-year-old reindeer has been suffering from pneumonia, digestion problems, and rapid weight loss, prompting his owner, Albert Whitehead, to seek veterinary care every other day in hopes of identifying the cause of his distress.

Star lives in a pen attached to Whitehead's home near downtown Anchorage. In early January, an individual broke into the enclosure, spending time inside with Star before fleeing. Following this incident, Star began experiencing serious health issues. Whitehead later discovered through security footage that the same person had removed the padlocks on Star's pen and alley gate, allowing the reindeer to wander the neighborhood.

Things escalated further when Whitehead observed a man, believed to be the same intruder, spraying an unknown substance into Star's pen and hitting him in the face. When confronted, the intruder claimed he was trying to help Star, but Whitehead was left confused and concerned about the materials used. The reindeer's health has continued to decline, with fears that he may have ingested harmful substances during his time outside the pen.

Veterinarian Sabrieta Holland has expressed a guarded prognosis for Star, indicating the possibility of a blockage in his digestive system or the impact of foreign objects he may have ingested. Surgery could provide answers but is generally risky, especially in reindeer. The emotional bond between Whitehead and Star is strong, making Star's condition particularly distressing for Whitehead.

The reindeer tradition in Anchorage dates back to the 1950s when pioneers Oro and Ivan Stewart introduced them to the area. Whitehead became Star's caretaker in 2002, and while the average lifespan of a reindeer is about 15 years, various Stars in the lineage have lived different lengths, with some tragedies among them. Whitehead remains hopeful for Star's recovery as the community watches closely.