Alaska’s popular reindeer, Star, dies in owner’s arms

Owner says she spent her last days eating her favorite treats, such as grapes and mini wheats.

  • By Wire Service
  • Monday, October 9, 2017 7:17pm
  • Northwest

Associated Press

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A popular reindeer that could be seen walking the streets of downtown Anchorage has died at age 15.

KTVA-TV reported that Star the reindeer died Saturday.

A note posted on her pen by owner Albert Whitehead says Star died in his arms.

Whitehead took Star on a short walk, and she collapsed after returning home.

Whitehead says she spent her last days hanging out and eating her favorite treats, such as grapes and mini wheats.

Star was an Anchorage staple for both local residents and tourists. She was the sixth of a line of local pet reindeer, all females named Star, going back more than 50 years.

———

Information from: KTVA-TV, http://www.ktva.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Northwest

A few significant tax bills form the financial linchpin to the state’s next budget and would generate the revenue needed to erase a chunk of a shortfall Ferguson has pegged at $16 billion over the next four fiscal years. The tax package is expected to net around $9.4 billion over that time. (Stock photo)
Five tax bills lawmakers passed to underpin Washington’s next state budget

Business tax hikes make up more than half of the roughly $9 billion package, which still needs a sign-off from Gov. Bob Ferguson.

Lawmakers on the Senate floor ahead of adjourning on April 27, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Washington lawmakers close out session, sending budgets to governor

Their plans combine cuts with billions in new taxes to solve a shortfall. It’ll now be up to Gov. Bob Ferguson to decide what will become law.

The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
WA lawmakers shift approach on closing center for people with disabilities

A highly contested bill around the closure of a residential center for… Continue reading

A rental sign seen in Everett. Saturday, May 23, 2020 (Sue Misao / Herald file)
Compromise reached on Washington bill to cap rent increases

Under a version released Thursday, rent hikes would be limited to 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower.

The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Parental rights overhaul gains final approval in WA Legislature

The bill was among the most controversial of this year’s session.

Trees and foliage grow at the Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Washington Legislature approves hiking Discover Pass price to $45

The price for a Washington state Discover Pass would rise by $15… Continue reading

Cherry blossoms in bloom at the Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Democrats in Washington Legislature wrap up budget negotiations

Democratic budget writers are done hashing out details on a new two-year… Continue reading

Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, speaks on the House floor in an undated photo. He was among the Republicans who walked out of a House Appropriations Committee meeting this week in protest of a bill that would close a facility in Pierce County for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services)
Republicans walk out after WA House committee votes to close center for people with disabilities

Those supporting the closure say that the Rainier School has a troubled record and is far more expensive than other options.

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard Gov. Bob Ferguson signing Senate Bill 5480, a bill that would exempt medical debt from credit reports, on Tuesday.
WA bill to keep medical debt off credit reports signed into law

Washingtonians’ medical debt will not be included in their credit reports, under… Continue reading

Gov. Bob Ferguson in his first bill signing event on Friday, April 4, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
WA bill to restrict outside National Guard from entering state is signed into law

During his inaugural address in January, Gov. Bob Ferguson highlighted his support… Continue reading

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard Gov. Bob Ferguson during a media availability on April 1.
Ferguson criticizes Democrats’ $12B tax plan as ‘too risky’

The governor is still at odds with lawmakers in his party over how much revenue the state should raise to deal with a multibillion dollar shortfall.

Ryan Berry / Washington State Standard Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown, seen here during a January interview, is sparring with members of Congress over the state’s immigration policy
Washington AG defends state’s ‘sanctuary’ policy amid congressional scrutiny

Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, who represents eastern Washington, is among those pressuring Attorney General Nick Brown on immigration issues.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.