Star the Reindeer: A Beloved Anchorage Icon Fighting for His Life
In Anchorage, Alaska, a city known for its wild beauty and unique wildlife, a cherished reindeer named Star has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. For decades, reindeer named Star have been a beloved part of the community, featured in parades, reality TV shows, and school field trips. But now, the current Star, an 8-year-old reindeer, is battling serious health issues after a series of mysterious and troubling incidents involving tampering with his enclosure. Star’s owner, Albert Whitehead, is doing everything in his power to save him, but the reindeer’s prognosis remains uncertain.
A Series of Disturbing Incidents
The trouble began in early January when someone cut a large hole in the fence surrounding Star’s pen, which is located at Whitehead’s home on the edge of downtown Anchorage. The intruder spent about five minutes inside before leaving, and while their exact actions are unknown, Star began experiencing stomach issues and rapid weight loss shortly afterward. This marked the first major tampering incident in over 20 years. In February, the situation escalated when Anchorage police found Star wandering downtown and returned him home. Upon reviewing his security footage, Whitehead discovered that someone had used bolt cutters to remove padlocks from Star’s pen and an alley gate, allowing the reindeer to wander off.
The following night, the situation took a darker turn. Whitehead watched on his security camera as a man, whose face was obscured by a scarf, sprayed unknown substances from two cans into Star’s pen and struck the reindeer in the face twice with an unknown object. Whitehead rushed outside to confront the man, who claimed he was trying to help Star. Despite his words, Whitehead suspects the man’s actions may have worsened Star’s condition. Police are investigating the incidents, but so far, no viable leads have been found.
Star’s Health Crisis
The tampering incidents have taken a devastating toll on Star’s health. The reindeer has developed pneumonia, which has worsened over time, and is experiencing severe digestion problems and rapid weight loss. Veterinarian Sabrieta Holland, who has been treating Star, believes his pneumonia may be linked to chronic reflux or regurgitation from one of his four stomachs, a common issue in reindeer. She also suspects that the substances sprayed into his pen may have contributed to his condition. Additionally, there is concern that Star may have ingested harmful materials, such as plastic bags, while he was loose.
Holland has noted that reindeer often accidentally eat foreign objects, which can cause blockages and other health complications. While surgery is an option to investigate and potentially remove any blockages, the procedure is risky and often has a poor outcome, even for healthy reindeer. Star’s condition remains “guarded,” and his future hangs in the balance.
A Bond Between a Man and His Reindeer
Star’s illness has been particularly hard on Albert Whitehead, who has been the reindeer’s caretaker since 2002. The bond between Whitehead and Star is deeply personal; their daily routines, including walks through the neighborhood, are built around each other. Holland has noted that Whitehead’s life revolves around Star, and the reindeer has become a source of purpose and joy for him. If Star doesn’t survive, it will be devastating not just for Whitehead but for the entire community that has grown to love the gentle, trusting reindeer.
A Legacy of Reindeer in Anchorage
The tradition of keeping reindeer in Anchorage began in the 1950s when pioneers Oro and Ivan Stewart brought a reindeer they had received from an Alaska Native herder to the city. Over the years, seven reindeer have carried the name Star, each becoming a local icon. While some Stars have lived long lives—he first Star lived to be 23—others have faced tragic fates, including theft, violence, and accidental death from eating plastic bags. Star’s current struggles have pequaled the community, many of whom have fond memories of visiting him on field trips or seeing him in parades.
As Star fights for his life, Anchorage residents are holding onto hope and calling for justice for the reindeer who has brought so much joy to their city. Police are urging anyone with information about the tampering incidents to come forward, and the community is rallying around Whitehead and Star during this difficult time. Star’s story is a reminder of the deep connection between humans and animals and the importance of protecting the creatures that bring us joy and companionship.
