The Reindeer Herd

We have a herd of nine reindeer who live near Ryno Sled Dog Kennel and commute to Chena Outdoor Collective for tours. If you would like to meet these friendly ruminants, be sure to book a tour!

sappho (heifer) born: April 20, 2018 weight: 225 lbs

Sappho is the oldest reindeer in our herd. She is confident and isn’t afraid to let folks know what she wants. Sappho is our most experienced reindeer. She loves walking with kids and snacking on the trail.

peeps (heifer) born: April 2020 year weight: 175 lbs

Peeps is feisty! She’s fearless, curious, and very playful. She loves to jump and kick the jolly ball with Pilot.

Peeps loves to learn tricks! She can target (touch her nose to objects), jump, kick a ball, among other fun games.

Pilot (Steer) born: April 2019 weight: 255 lbs

Meet Pilot. He’s one of the two steers in the herd, and one of the first reindeer we taught tricks. He loves to jump in the air and play with his jolly ball (a big red exercise ball that he kicks around).

Pilot is trained to pack and is learning to wear a harness. He’s a little more high-spirited than his partner Sailor, so he’s on a slower training program for pulling a sleigh. Pilot loves to target tennis balls and jump for special snacks!

jonesy (bull) born: april 27, 2022 weight: 180 lbs

Jonesy is Sappho’s first calf. Jonesy is a very outgoing guy! He enjoys exploring the forest in his pen and approaches us for cuddles! He is very sweet, loves naps in the hay and is always stopping for a tasty snack.

Ike (bull) born: April 22, 2022 weight: 180 lbs

Ike is Peeps’ first calf. Ike was a bit more reserved as a calf but has opened up in his first year! He is very chill and loves walking through the forest with new friends.

Sailor (steer) born: April 2019 weight: 260 lbs

Sailor is the best. He’s so relaxed, loves food, and is the sweetest. While Sailor enjoys going for walks, he is sloooooooow. He’d rather putz along at a snail pace, nibbling on tasty food on the edge of the trail. Can you blame him?

Sailor enjoys walks, packing, tricks (such as targeting objects) and is now pulling a cart!

Mikey (bull) born: april 26, 2023 weight: 14 at birth

Mikey is Peeps’ second calf. This guy is very independent and from day one would rather be hanging with Pilot and Sailor than his mom. Peeps had quite the workout keeping up with this mischief maker. He remains a sassy, playful and friendly fellow.

Captain Kirk (bull) born: April 2020 weight: 270 lbs

Captain Kirk is our breeding bull. For now, we’re socializing him and teaching him how to walk in halter and participate in basic husbandry (such as hoof trims). His main job will be growing the herd, so you won’t see him on many tours. Reindeer bulls become very dangerous during the rut (August- November), so he will not be handled at that time.