Wildlife park’s star reindeer dies
A REINDEER which has starred on magazine covers and delighted scores of visitors to a Westcountry wildlife park has died at the age of 11.
Lowen and his brother Nadelik were star attractions at Feadon Wildlife Centre in Portreath, Cornwall. Staff are now mourning the sad loss of Lowen, who has died following an illness.
The two reindeer came to the wildlife centre, part of the Landal Gwel an Mor resort, at just five months old back in 2009 and have been much-loved residents ever since.
The star of many a magazine front cover over the years, the reindeer brothers delighted visitors to Feadon Wildlife Centre year round, with guests, schools and community groups learning about reindeer, their lives and unique personalities on guided visits.
Seeing the reindeer has also been a welcome distraction for NHS staff who have been staying at the resort during lockdowns.
The reindeer were also an integral part of the resort’s festivities and Meet Santa experiences at Christmas-time.
Gary Zammit, manager and head ranger at Feadon Wildlife Centre, has been the reindeers’ main carer and handler since they arrived. “For me personally, I am heartbroken. I picked him and his brother Nadelik up at just a few months old and I’ve had the pleasure of his company for the last 11 years. I even slept in the stable with them both one night as I didn’t want them to be left alone,” he said.
The reindeer were born in Staffordshire and came to live in Portreath as a pair at five months old, which meant they were acclimatised to the UK as opposed to imported reindeer from Scandinavian countries, which can sometimes show distress. As captivebred reindeer, Lowen and Nadelik’s calm nature was often commented on, showing their friendliness with people, who they interacted with every day.
“I have too many memories but I will always fondly remember our many Christmas visits to Trelissick Gardens. Lowen and Nadelik would lay down in the straw and enjoy a nap, blissfully unaware of all the excited parents and children,” said Gary.
“And it’s not just me – I’m sure Lowen left a lasting impression on many people. His relaxed nature and impeccable behaviour here at the centre and at the many places we visited over the years made him a sweetheart to many.
“While it is a sad time for everyone at the centre, we are remembering what a wonderful life he enjoyed right into his old age.”
The team at Feadon Wildlife Centre are currently looking into finding company for Nadelik.
‘His relaxed nature and impeccable behaviour made him a sweetheart to many’ GARY ZAMMIT