Kincraig reindeer move into new pad in time for Christmas
Two of the Highland Wildlife Park’s most eligible bachelors have moved into a perfect new pad just in time for Christmas.
The pair of young European forest reindeer males will be joined by the rest of the herd in their new home after the calving season in May, next year.
Morag Sellar, Head Keeper of the Highland Wildlife Park’s reindeer, said "The two young bulls, Marten and Lenni, are settling in very well.
"Not only is the enclosure an ideal space for our European Forest Reindeer, it also offers visitors an excellent vantage point from which to view these majestic animals with their impressive antlers.
"The public will be able to get a great view from the new raised wooden walkways.
"Alongside our in-house team, we were delighted to receive the help of volunteers from Aviemore- based call centre HEROtsc.
"This team helped make improvements to the wolf enclosure earlier this year, and it was great they chose to join us again to assist with this project.
"The volunteers helped to build screens between the adjacent wolf and reindeer enclosures which will give our wolf pair some privacy."
Large herds of European Forest Reindeer once ranged over Scandinavia and the neighbouring portion of Russia.
Sadly numbers have been greatly reduced in Russia due to illegal hunting.
The Finnish animals are the subject of an intensive conservation plan, which includes a breeding programme in participating zoos including the wildlife park.
• Santa Claus will be switching on the Christmas lights at the attraction on the evening of Saturday December 3 and there will be free entry to the park on the night from 4pm to 6pm.
