Reindeer: Santa’s Famous Helpers Who Do More Than Sleigh
October 21, 2024 • Grace Micere
Reindeer are best known all over the world for their role as Santa’s sleigh-pullers. However, there’s much more to these fascinating creatures than holiday lore. Native to the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, reindeer are remarkable survivors of some of the coldest climates on Earth. They are integral to the ecosystems and cultures they share their frosty homes with.
So, let’s dive into some fun facts about these unique animals, their cultural significance and why they deserve a spotlight outside of December.
Fun Facts About Reindeer
We did some digging and found these interesting fun facts about reindeer. Some are quite unexpected.
Reindeer & Caribou are Cousins - Reindeer and caribou are technically the same species. In North America, they call the wild ones caribou and the domesticated ones reindeer. Think of them like cousins at a family reunion – one lives on a farm, the other in the wild.
They Can Change Eye Colour - Reindeer eyes actually change colour depending on the season – from gold in summer to blue in winter. This helps them adapt to the varying light conditions of the Arctic.
Built for Cold Weather - Their noses are like natural heaters! Reindeer have nasal passages that warm the air they breathe in and capture heat from the air they exhale, making them perfect for chilly climates.
Both Males and Females Have Antlers - Unlike many other deer species, both male and female reindeer grow antlers, though the females keep theirs longer into winter. This might explain why Santa’s reindeer could actually be all girls – they still have their antlers in December.
Reindeer Can Fly! (Sort of) - While they can't actually take to the skies, reindeer are amazing swimmers. Their large hooves act like paddles, helping them cross rivers and lakes with ease. Not quite as glamorous as sleigh-flying, but still impressive.
Super Senses - Reindeer have excellent night vision and can also see ultraviolet light. This helps them spot predators in the snowy, dimly lit Arctic environment. It’s like they have built-in night-vision goggles.
They Click When They Walk - Reindeer have tendons in their feet that click as they walk. This clicking sound might help them keep track of each other in blizzard conditions – think of it as nature’s version of a GPS.
Climate indicators - Scientists also look to reindeer as key indicators of environmental health in the Arctic. By monitoring reindeer populations, researchers can gather valuable data about the broader impacts of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems in these fragile regions.
Cultural Significance of Reindeer
Beyond their practical use as a mode of transport, reindeer are woven into the mythology, spirituality, and traditions of cultures living in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. The Sámi, Nenets, Evenki, and Chukchi, and Dukha people Siberia and beyond have herded reindeer for centuries. The animals have provided not just food, but also fur for clothing, antler tools, and transport to the people. Traditionally, these tribes were nomadic, following their herds through the changing seasons.
Reindeer have long captured the imaginations of people living in the northern hemisphere. They appear frequently in mythology and folklore, symbolising strength, endurance, and sometimes even magic. Perhaps the most well-known reindeer in modern folklore is none other than Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer who leads Santa’s sleigh. While Rudolph is a creation of 20th-century pop culture, he represents the magic and wonder that reindeer evoke in people around the world during the Christmas season.
Are Reindeer endangered?
Reindeer have been listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Population density and climate change are the major threats to these gorgeous animals. As humans clear forests to create settlements, reindeer’s habitat is destroyed leaving them with less herding grounds. Climate change has caused lichen, reindeer’s main food source, to freeze under perspiration and rain. This makes it difficult for the animals to reach it.
Our Contribution to Reindeer Conservation
Bare Kind is committed to donating 10% of profits from these reindeer socks to 35+ animal-saving charities, protecting vulnerable and endangered species from extinction. We are currently doing heaps of research to find a reindeer sanctuary or a conservation organisation that caters to them.If you know of any, don’t hesitate to let us know.
Our reindeer socks are made from bamboo fibre and are softer than cashmere and warmer than cotton socks. They are engineered to conform to the contours of your feet, are sweat-wicking, odour-resistant, and breathable.
Bamboo socks have highly elastic precision knit for a snug fit and come nicely packaged in 100% plastic-free materials. This makes them great to wear as gym socks, work socks, running socks, or even dress socks. Ours are thermal socks that remain cool in the summer and warm during winter.
We recommend getting some matching Christmas socks for yourself and your family. They make the perfect gift for animal lovers!
Wrapping Up
Santa’s sleigh-pullers do much more than distribute gifts for Christmas. They are climate indicators and ecosystem balancers with a solid place in the cultures of tribes living in Siberia and beyond. Reindeer are symbols of resilience and strength since they are able to survive in treacherous snowy environments with grace. Sadly, these magical creatures have been listed as vulnerable due to our growing population and climate change.
At Bare Kind, we make novelty socks from bamboo fibre and donate 10% of all our profit to 35+ charity partners. We are B-Corp Certified, use 100% plastic-free packaging, and are 100% carbon neutral. The bamboo itself is 100% sustainably grown and great for the planet.
In the past, our efforts have helped save 887 acres of tropical rainforest, fund 209 boxes of fish for penguins, adopt 12 giraffes, and so much more. You can be a part of the movement by buying the world’s most comfortable socks that save animals. It’s an easy but effective way to make a pawsitive impact from the comfort of your home or office.
Explore our wide selection of colourful bamboo socks and get some awesome gifts and stocking stuffers for the whole family.
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