As a popular element to most Santa stories, Reindeer may seem mythical, but visitors can walk through a boreal forest with them in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Fairbanks is a popular destination where people hope to fulfill fantasies like finding gold and seeing the northern lights. However, it is a lesser-known fantasy-like activity that many travelers cherish most after visiting.
Running Reindeer Ranch started nearly two decades ago. Travelers today owe the unique experience to a determined daughter, a loving mother, and a snowstorm.
Reindeer Are Unique Animals
Legendary Christmas tales contribute to beliefs reindeer have mythical qualities. On top of that, since reindeer live in cold climates, many people have never seen them. Or have they?
Jane Atkinson, founder of Running Reindeer Ranch, says, “Reindeer and caribou are the same genus and species. They are different sub-species of one another. Here in North America, we refer to the wild species out there as caribou. We refer to reindeer as domesticated livestock.”
Due to limited habitats and most species being wild, few have opportunities to see reindeer. According to World Population Review, North America has 3.5 million caribou. They once inhabited some northern states in the contiguous U.S., but have since vanished. Alaska currently has about 20,000 reindeer.
A Loving Mother and a Determined Daughter Change Lives
When discussing her reindeer ranch, Atkinson says, “This is what happens to your life when you don’t let your daughter have a pony.” As a child, her daughter Robin pressed her for livestock. Due to an allergy and other practicality issues, Atkinson denied the request for a horse and encouraged her daughter to consider other animals.
When the idea of a reindeer arose, Atkinson advised Robin she could have one if she conducted research to provide proper care and raised the necessary funds. Admittedly, Atkinson did not expect her daughter to do the work.
Robin soon learned reindeer are herd animals, and she would have to purchase at least two. That did not stop her. During the next two years, Robin interviewed animal researchers at the University of Alaska, talked to existing reindeer owners, secured a veterinarian, and raised the money. Being a proud and loving mother, Atkinson honored her word and allowed her daughter, now 12, to bring home two reindeer.
A Snowstorm Launches a Thriving Business
Ruby and Moon joined the family in October 2007. A few days after bringing them home, a heavy nighttime snowstorm blanketed the region. When the family awoke the following day to a phone call, they discovered a felled tree crushed their fence, prompting Ruby and Moon to escape.
They quickly assembled a search party and attempted to track the runaway reindeer. Despite the fresh snow revealing their tracks, it took four days to find Ruby and Moon. The reindeer eventually turned up in a McDonald’s parking lot. Although terrifying at the time, it inspired the name Running Reindeer Ranch.
The work had begun for Atkinson and her daughter. Atkinson recalls, “The first two reindeer we had were very discombobulated from being away from their home and their herd. My daughter spent all of her out-of-school time in the pen with them. She did her homework in the pen. She ate her dinner in the pen. She slept in the pen at night with them.”
A Career Change That Offers Travelers a Unique Experience
Through the years, Atkinson and her daughter studied reindeer and their care. Ruby and Moon expanded their family, becoming a small herd.
As Robin aged and received opportunities for school and work, Atkinson struggled to balance work, family, and reindeer care. Atkinson soon called upon friends and family to walk with the reindeer from time to time. They commented on how rewarding it was, saying it would be a wonderful experience for others — even possibly a business.
Atkinson decided to start the business as a side project. It was fun but took considerable time. Her husband, Doug, eventually encouraged her to stop the side project or make it a full-time business. Atkinson decided to walk with reindeer in her new career and share the experience.
What Running Reindeer Ranch Visitors Can Expect
On reindeer walks, which last about 2.5 hours, guests learn about reindeer and how to interact safely. A guide slowly introduces reindeer, and after mingling and getting comfortable, they lead the group on a walking tour through a peaceful forest.
Guests learn more about the beautiful animals, see them in action, and have an opportunity for a picture. After the enlightening walk, everyone may enjoy refreshments and homemade cookies.
A Mythical Tale Leads to a Legendary Experience
While Fairbanks has many unique attractions, the unexpected thrill of a walk with reindeer may be the most heartwarming. And to think, the legendary experience started nearly two decades ago with a determined daughter, a loving mother, and a snowstorm.
