Adult reindeer are about 1 meter tall, weighing about 170 kg for males and 90 kg for females.
Despite being free-roaming, the reindeer still receive food from their caretakers. Ruth Molloy, who works at the national park, and her colleagues bring food to the animals in the snow-covered mountains.
Because they were so familiar with the caretakers, as soon as they appeared, the reindeer herd gathered to wait for food. Then, the reindeer herd followed closely behind the people bringing food to receive their food rations.They only eat native food sources such as grass, moss or blueberries; therefore they do not like vegetables, such as carrots, brought by tourists.
Reindeer are friendly and gentle. When they grow up, they are used to pull sleighs for people. In fairy tales, reindeer pull Santa's sleigh to deliver gifts to children at Christmas, leaving a beautiful impression in childhood memories.
On a reindeer tracking tour in Cairngorm National Park, visitors can touch and feed reindeer.
Reindeer's bodies are covered with fur that traps air - isolating them from the surrounding environment. They are used to "being cold" and like to wander in harsh cold environments; therefore, if kept in captivity, their health will decline.
The Cairngorms are considered an ideal place for reindeer grazing because the climate and environment are very suitable for them.
The first reindeer were introduced to Cairngorm National Park in 1952 by Mikel Utsi and Ethel Lindgren. They are free to graze within the park's 4,000 hectares.
At the end of the mating season (early December), male reindeer shed their antlers; while female reindeer antlers remain throughout the winter.
Utsi and Lindgren founded the company, managing the reindeer herd since 1980. Their work includes breeding, caring for, and treating reindeer.
Snow falls continuously for eight months of the year, making Cairngorm National Park an ideal habitat for reindeer.
The picture of the Cairngorm plateau in winter along with the presence of "Santa's companions" helps this place attract more and more tourists to visit.
