Lake Superior Zoos newest residents, Jingle and Snowflake. (Supplied)
DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, Minn. welcomed two new caribou, with season-appropriate names, just in time for the holiday.
New reindeer at Duluth zoo
What we know: The new reindeer, Jingle and Snowflake, arrived at the zoo on Monday, just two days before Christmas, which may sound like the premise to a cheesy Christmas song, but the zoo says it marks a big moment in the zoo's conservation efforts.
In North America, these animals are known as caribou but, as the zoo explains, in other countries they are known simply as "reindeer."
What they're saying: In a news release, the zoo notes: "These majestic animals, which once roamed Minnesota’s boreal forests, bring a piece of history back to the region where they were last seen in the 1940s."
"The zoo's caribou are part of a broader effort to bring these creatures back to the area," officials add. "The Lake Superior Zoo’s caribou habitat is especially significant as it represents the return of an iconic animal that once thrived in Minnesota’s wilderness. Caribou were last seen in the state in the 1940s, and their population in the region dwindled due to factors like predation, disease, and habitat loss.
Meet the reindeer
The backstory: The zoo says both caribou come to them from Hemker Park in Freeport, Minn.
"Jingle, the male caribou, is an outgoing and social animal, often the first to greet visitors and enjoy his breakfast," the news release opines. "He is eager to bond with his friends and enjoys being in the company of others. Snowflake, the female, is more reserved and observant. Known for her sweet and curious nature, Snowflake doesn’t miss a thing happening in her area."
About the Zoo
What’s next: The zoo is closed on Christmas Day but will reopen December 26 for regular hours.