Just in time for Christmas, a pair of reindeer have found a home at the Lake Superior Zoo. Jingle and Snowflake are woodland caribou, which is a type of reindeer. The semi-domesticated pair is on loan from Hemker Park in Freeport, Minnesota.

Their arrival marks a significant step in the zoo’s conservation efforts. These majestic animals once roamed Minnesota’s boreal forests, but they haven’t been seen since the 1940s. The wild population swindled due to predation, disease, and habitat lots.

Zookeeper Jessica Phoenix explained, “One of their biggest things right now is when they put in railroads and pipelines. It l breaks up their migration pattern, and they have a really hard time because they’re so fearful of people.”

The Lake Superior Zoo hopes that when guests see Jingle and Snowflake, it’ll spark interest and appreciation for the animals. Plus, the zoo’s press release hinted at some potential close encounters that guests could have with the animals in the future.

The zoo is closed for Christmas but will open again on Thursday. Jingle is the male caribou. He is older and more social. Snowflake is very sweet and shy. She is younger of the pair.

Jingle and Snowflake will be on loan for a couple year, then the zoo will get wild caribou from Alaska.

Two of the deer yards, which haven’t been used in 20 year, had to be renovated for this project. In the spring, the zoo plans to build a new, large barn that comes with a log cabin viewing experience.