Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A cherished pet reindeer, an icon for residents of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, has been euthanized. This transpired weeks after suspected cage interference and possible poisoning, according to his caretaker on Wednesday. The beloved animal’s passing has resonated deeply within the community.
Iconic Anchorage Reindeer ‘Star’ Euthanized After Suspected Tampering
Albert Whitehead, the caretaker of the 8-year-old reindeer named Star, and steward of the long-standing tradition of a downtown Anchorage reindeer, expressed his sorrow. “I don’t have an answer as to why he had to be put down other than it relates back to what happened,” Whitehead stated, alluding to recent concerning incidents.
Incidents Leading to Star’s Deterioration
Star resided in a secured pen connected to Whitehead’s residence on a prominent street bordering downtown. However, starting in early January, disturbing actions began targeting the amiable reindeer and his enclosure.
In January, an individual breached the pen, and subsequently, Star began experiencing weight loss. In February, further alarming events unfolded as someone severed the locks on the pen gates, resulting in Star wandering through downtown streets. The following night, an unidentified substance was sprayed into Star’s pen, raising serious concerns.
Initially hesitant to consider intentional poisoning, Whitehead now grapples with uncertainty regarding the perpetrator’s motives.
Health Complications and Euthanasia
Following the February incidents, Star developed a persistent cough, which later escalated into pneumonia. Medical professionals suspected that stomach contents were being regurgitated through his nose. The aspiration of this matter into his lungs was believed to be the cause of the pneumonia.
The possibility remains that Star ingested a plastic bag during his unsupervised time in downtown Anchorage. Such an event could induce digestive issues and contribute to chronic weight loss.
Although Star initially recovered from pneumonia, he suffered a relapse.
“He started to recover and then all of a sudden reversed himself, and we decided it was not possible to save him,” Whitehead recounted. The difficult decision was made, and Star was euthanized on Tuesday, coinciding with the performance of a necropsy to determine the precise cause of death.
Necropsy and Legacy
The results of the necropsy, which may reveal the cause of death and any contributing elements, are anticipated in a few weeks, according to Whitehead.
A pet reindeer has been a feature of downtown Anchorage since the 1950s. Star represented the seventh reindeer in this tradition, succeeding those cared for by Anchorage pioneers Oro and Ivan Stewart, and later by Whitehead, who assumed responsibility from the Stewarts in 2002.
Star’s Community Impact
Star, who maintained a dedicated Facebook page, was a popular attraction, drawing visitors and locals alike to his pen. His presence extended beyond his enclosure, as he frequently participated in daily walks throughout downtown Anchorage, featured in parades, welcomed visits from schoolchildren, and even made appearances on reality television programs, leaving a lasting impact on the Anchorage community.