Behind every animal is a human who loves them.
Learn about the many different relationships between animals and humans and find out things you never knew.
10 interesting facts about reindeer!
1. Reindeer are the only type of deer in which both the male and femal have antlers.
2. Reindeer eat certain types of lichen that grow in sub-arctic climates.
3. Reindeer are the only mammals that grow new sets of antlers annually.
4. Male reindeer have much louder calls than female reindeer.
5. Reindeers were built for the snow and cold. Their bodies react to changes in temperature by making adgustments.
6. For winter grazing, reindeers facial hair grows long enough to cover their mouths.
7. A 20 pound new calf can out run a man. Reindeers are strong and great runners.
8. The largest species of reindeer is the Finnish forest reindeer, measuring at 240cm in length from snout to tail.
9. Reindeer have a strong sense of smell. They can sniff out plant material that is hidden under 60cm of snow.
10. Female reindeer retain their antlers until they give birth in the spring, where as male reindeer shed their antlers in the winter.
Reindeer at Center Parks' Winter Wonderland
Last week I visited Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest to go and see their lovely reindeers. Over the festive period, Center Parcs transform their park into a spectacular Winter Wonderland covered with snow, sparkley lights and christmas decorations.
One thing that fascinated me in particuar was the fact they had real life reindeer on the park right next to Santa's grotto for everyone to see. I have never seen an actual reindeer before, so for me, this was something pretty exciting!
Not only did this make me feel super festive (even though Christmas was over with) but I absolutely love them as an animal! They were very calm natured and looked really relaxed. The reindeer at Center Parcs are a family which consists of the mother, father and their two young which are known as calves.
The reindeer at Center Parcs arrive for when the Winter Wonderland starts in November, and leave when it finishes in January.
Seeing real life reindeers really makes the Winter Wonderland at Center Parcs something extra special and brings the Christmas spirit to life.
The female reindeer grazing at Center Parks, Sherwood Forest.
By Kenna Zarebski