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

An iconic reindeer named Star, beloved in Anchorage, Alaska, is currently fighting for his life after falling ill under mysterious circumstances related to tampering with his pen. The 8-year-old reindeer, who has been a fixture in parades and school visits, is suffering from pneumonia, digestion issues, and rapid weight loss. His owner, Albert Whitehead, has been taking him to the veterinarian every other day in hopes of finding a cause for his ailments. Veterinarian Sabrieta Holland has provided a guarded prognosis.

Star lives in a pen attached to Whitehead's home, where reindeer have been kept for over 70 years. In early January, someone cut a hole in the fencing to access the pen, spending time with Star before leaving. Following this breach, Star developed significant stomach issues and began losing weight rapidly.

On February 20, police found a wandering Star and returned him home. Upon reviewing security footage, Whitehead discovered that an individual had used bolt cutters to remove padlocks to the pen. The next night, the situation escalated when a masked man sprayed an unknown substance into Star’s pen and struck the reindeer in the face. Whitehead intervened, demanding to know what was happening, to which the man responded that he was “trying to help Star.”

Despite the man's intentions, Star's health has continued to decline, with veterinarians suspecting he may have ingested harmful substances after being let loose. The pneumonia he is suffering from may have resulted from inhaling contents from his stomach or being affected by the sprays. There is a potential for blockage, but the reindeer’s anatomy makes it difficult to obstruct. Surgery remains an option, but outcomes are often poor.

Star's well-being is of great significance to Whitehead, who has developed a precious bond with him over the years. The reindeer tradition in Anchorage was established by early pioneers Oro and Ivan Stewart in the 1950s, and Whitehead has been the caretaker since 2002. The average lifespan of a reindeer is around 15 years, with varying fates among those named Star, making this situation particularly poignant for both Whitehead and the community.