Iconic pet reindeer in Alaska falls mysteriously ill after someone tampers in his pen - The Daily Reporter - Greenfield Indiana

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- An iconic reindeer named Star, who has become a beloved feature of Anchorage's community events, is currently facing a health crisis after someone tampered with his pen. The 8-year-old reindeer has developed pneumonia, digestive problems, and experienced significant weight loss since the incident, leading his owner, Albert Whitehead, to seek veterinary care every other day. Veterinarian Sabrieta Holland described Star's prognosis as "guarded."

Star lives in a fenced pen at Whitehead's home, and this recent tampering marked the first such incident in over 20 years. In early January, an individual used bolt cutters to gain access to Star's enclosure, spending several minutes inside before fleeing. Shortly after this intrusion, Star began to show signs of illness. On February 20, Anchorage police found Star wandering downtown and returned him home, where Whitehead discovered video footage revealing the pen's tampering.

The situation escalated when a man, reportedly the same intruder, was seen spraying unknown substances into Star's pen while hitting the animal in the face. Whitehead confronted the man, who claimed he was trying to help Star, though Whitehead was left perplexed by the statement. The sprays potentially included harmful chemicals, and Whitehead suspects that Star may have ingested something dangerous while wandering loose.

Veterinarian Holland noted that Star's pneumonia could have been caused by inhaling unsafe substances or the result of ingesting foreign objects, such as plastic bags, which are a common issue for reindeer. While surgery could be an option to check for blockages in Star's stomach, it typically has a poor outcome, particularly in unhealthy animals.

The bond between Whitehead and Star is substantial, with Whitehead attributing much of his daily routine and motivation to their relationship. The reindeer tradition in Anchorage dates back to the 1950s, with several generations of reindeers named Star, each with its own story. As Star's health hangs in the balance, the community remains hopeful for his recovery.