In the wild, reindeer live between 10 and 20 years, with females outliving the males by up to 10 years. They live in large herds and migrate to breeding grounds where food is more plentiful. They are strong swimmers and readily cross rivers to reach their destination. They have an excellent sense of smell which enables them to find food under quite deep snow.
Reindeer hooves are adaptable to the seasons. In summer, they become softer and almost spongy to deal with wet ground, but harden to cope with icy conditions in winter. They use the rim of each hoof to dig into the ice to get a good grip.
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Where you can see the Reindeer
Ventura Wildlife Park
Ventura Wildlife's Zoological Gardens, Pepper Hill, Ware, United Kingdom
Ventura Wildlife’s Zoological Gardens is one of the UK’s newest and most interactive small zoos. Currently set within approximately two acres of Hertfordshire countryside this unique zoo offers visitors of all ages and abilities the chance to get up close to a variety of wild animals. The zoo is home to many animal species including zebras, … Read more
Blithbury Reindeer Lodge
Blithbury Reindeer Lodge, Uttoxeter Road, Blithbury, United Kingdom
Over 150 Reindeer roam freely across our beautiful 30-acre site, which opens to the public for special events throughout the year. We are the only place in the country where visitors can see, fuss and even feed so many Reindeer of varying ages and types; from babies and young calves, to sleigh-pullers and our incredibly … Read more
The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Aviemore, United Kingdom
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. These tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who come and see them. Reindeer are not just for Christmas. The centre in Glenmore is open from the February half-term holidays right through the year to early … Read more
The Reindeer Centre
The Reindeer Centre, Bethersden, Ashford District, United Kingdom
The Reindeer Centre is the home of England’s original ‘Reindeer Grotto’. A few reindeer were imported from Sweden about 14 years ago and they now have in excess of 100 reindeer thanks to their successful breeding programme. The reindeers are English bred and farm reared (some by hand), making them extremely tame and are perfect … Read more
London Zoo
London Zoo, London, United Kingdom
One of the UK’s flagship attractions, ZSL London Zoo, is run by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Founded in 1826, the society’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.
Ventura Wildlife Park
Ventura Wildlife’s Zoological Gardens is one of the UK’s newest and most interactive small zoos. Currently set within approximately two acres of Hertfordshire countryside this unique zoo offers visitors of all ages and abilities the chance to get up close to a variety of wild animals. The zoo is home to many animal species including zebras, … Read more
Blithbury Reindeer Lodge
Over 150 Reindeer roam freely across our beautiful 30-acre site, which opens to the public for special events throughout the year. We are the only place in the country where visitors can see, fuss and even feed so many Reindeer of varying ages and types; from babies and young calves, to sleigh-pullers and our incredibly … Read more
The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. These tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who come and see them. Reindeer are not just for Christmas. The centre in Glenmore is open from the February half-term holidays right through the year to early … Read more
The Reindeer Centre
The Reindeer Centre is the home of England’s original ‘Reindeer Grotto’. A few reindeer were imported from Sweden about 14 years ago and they now have in excess of 100 reindeer thanks to their successful breeding programme. The reindeers are English bred and farm reared (some by hand), making them extremely tame and are perfect … Read more
London Zoo
One of the UK’s flagship attractions, ZSL London Zoo, is run by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Founded in 1826, the society’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.