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Adult reindeer are about 1 meter tall and weigh around 170 kg for males and 90 kg for females.
Although they roam freely, these reindeer still receive food from their caretakers. Ruth Molloy, a national park employee, and her colleagues are bringing food up to the reindeer in the snow-covered mountain area.
Having become accustomed to their caretakers, the reindeer immediately gathered around to await food as soon as they appeared. Afterward, the reindeer followed closely behind the food bearers to receive their share.They only eat native food sources such as grass, moss, or blueberries; therefore, they don't like vegetables, such as carrots, that tourists bring.
Reindeer are known for their friendly and gentle nature. As adults, they are used to pull sleighs for humans. In fairy tales, reindeer pulling Santa Claus's sleigh to deliver gifts to children at Christmas leaves a beautiful impression in childhood memories.
During the reindeer tracking tour in Cairngorm National Park, visitors can touch and feed the reindeer.
Reindeer bodies are covered in a layer of fur that traps air, isolating them from the surrounding environment. They are accustomed to "withstanding the cold" and prefer to roam in harsh, cold environments; therefore, if kept in captivity, their health will deteriorate.
The Cairngorms mountain region is considered an ideal location for reindeer herding because its climate and environment are very suitable for them.
The first reindeer were introduced to Cairngorm National Park in 1952 by the couple Mikel Utsi and Ethel Lindgren. They were released into the wild and grazed within the park's approximately 4,000 hectares.
At the end of the mating season (early December), male reindeer shed their antlers; meanwhile, female reindeer's antlers remain throughout the winter.
Utsi and Lindgren founded the company and began managing the reindeer herd in 1980. Their work includes reindeer breeding, care, and medical treatment.
Snow typically falls continuously for eight months of the year, making Cairngorm National Park an ideal habitat for reindeer herds.
The picturesque Cairngorm plateau in winter, along with the presence of "Santa Claus's companions," helps attract an increasing number of tourists to the area.
