ANCHORAGE, Alaska โ A beloved pet reindeer, cherished by the residents of Alaskaโs largest city, has been euthanized following troubling incidents that may have involved tampering and possible poisoning, as reported by his caretaker.
The reindeer, known as Star, passed away at the age of eight and had been a symbol of the tradition in downtown Anchorage for many years. His caretaker, Albert Whitehead, expressed uncertainty about why Star had to be put down but linked it to previous events that began earlier this year.
Residing in a fenced enclosure next to Whiteheadโs home on a bustling street bordering downtown, Starโs troubles began in early January. An intruder accessed the enclosure, leading to Star experiencing weight loss. In February, after someone cut the locks on the gate, the reindeer was found wandering on Anchorageโs streets. The following night, unknown materials were sprayed into his pen.
Initially reluctant to consider that Star might have been poisoned, Whitehead now questions the possibility. Following these unsettling events, the reindeer began coughing persistently and was diagnosed with pneumonia. It was suspected that stomach contents were being expelled through his nose, which might have been inhaled back into his lungs, worsening the pneumonia.
It is conceivable that during his time wandering through Anchorageโs streets, Star could have consumed a plastic bag, which may have led to digestive issues and ongoing weight loss. Although his pneumonia was treated, Star succumbed to a second wave of the illness.
Whitehead explained, โHe seemed to be recovering, but then took a sudden turn for the worse, and we concluded that saving him was not viable.โ Star was euthanized on Tuesday, the same day a necropsy was performed. The results, which might shed light on the potential causes or contributing factors of his death, are expected in a few weeks.
Since the 1950s, downtown Anchorage has been home to a pet reindeer. Star was the seventh to reside there, continuing a legacy initiated by Anchorage pioneers Oro and Ivan Stewart, and later maintained by Whitehead after he assumed responsibility in 2002.
Star, who even had his own Facebook page, was highly popular, enticing both tourists and locals to visit his pen. He enjoyed daily strolls around downtown Anchorage and frequently participated in parades, was a favorite among schoolchildren, and made appearances on reality television.