One of the cherished symbols of Anchorage, a reindeer named Star, admired for his appearances in parades, reality shows, and school trips, is now facing a fight for survival. The 8-year-old creature has mysteriously fallen ill after an incident in which his pen was tampered with.
Star’s owner, Albert Whitehead, noted that the reindeer developed pneumonia, experienced digestion problems, and suffered significant weight loss. Whitehead has been diligently taking Star to the veterinarian, hoping to uncover the root of these troubling symptoms.
“I believe we’ve exhausted all options to help him,” Whitehead lamented. The veterinarian, Sabrieta Holland, stated that Star’s prognosis remains uncertain.
Situated in a fenced enclosure beside Whitehead’s residence downtown, Star is the seventh reindeer in a long line to carry the same name over seven decades. It’s been over 20 years since a security breach at this pen attracted unwanted attention. This recent incident involved someone cutting through the fencing and spending a few minutes inside the enclosure. The unknown visit sparked distressing health issues for Star soon thereafter.
In February, Anchorage police found Star after he wandered into the city, familiar with the surroundings as it was where Whitehead frequently walked him. Reviewing security footage, Whitehead learned of a man using bolt cutters and leading Star out of his pen. Luckily, Star was returned home safely.
However, the next night saw a more troubling incident. Whitehead, monitoring the video feed, saw a man with a scarf around his face who used two canisters to spray something inside the pen, which also twice struck Star’s face. Whitehead confronted the intruder, demanding to know what it was he sprayed. The man’s cryptic response was that he was “trying to help Star.” Whitehead speculated that the sprayed substances were a disinfectant and deodorizer.
Both Whitehead and the police believe this was the same individual who had previously tampered with Star’s pen. While it seems the person did not intend harm, the actions led to further problems. Police efforts to identify this person through social media have so far been fruitless.
The worsening pneumonia and other respiratory issues suggest that Star might have ingested something harmful, possibly during his wanderings. Holland noted the pneumonia may be due to inhaling regurgitated contents from his stomach, potentially exacerbated by the sprays.
A potential blockage or foreign object in Star’s vast stomach could be a concern. Holland mentioned that plastic bags are a common culprit, often leading to weight loss and digestive problems in reindeer. Surgery might be an option, but it poses significant risks even under the best circumstances.
The friendship between Whitehead and Star is deeply profound, as noted by Holland. “Albert’s daily motivation and walks are intertwined with Star, who also shares a strong affection for him,” she conveyed.
The reindeer tradition, initiated in Anchorage by pioneers Oro and Ivan Stewart in the 1950s, was taken over by Whitehead in 2002. Though the typical lifespan of a reindeer is around 15 years, some of Star’s predecessors led long lives, such as the first Star at 23 years. Others faced tragic ends, echoing current fears for this Star.
In the face of this crisis, both hope and uncertainty loom over Star’s fate—a beloved icon holding a special place in Anchorage’s heart.
