Oregon Zoo Confirmed Flying Reindeer Sightings

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	Photo of possible Reindeer practice flight


	Testimonials
	2007 i saw santa claus - Try Memphis, TN Time of Sighting: 3:30 p.m., Dec. 25 We spotted them over the barn. They were flying over head and we heard sleigh bells. It was really loud so we ran outside to see what it was. What an incredible coincidence, we just finished watching the original Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer on DVD! Merry Christmas!! - Steve Damascus, OR Time of Sighting: 11:30 p.m., Dec. 24 They were pooping in my back yard. i noticed them when i saw a bright red light comming from the sliding glass door! They are so pretty! I want to grow up to be a raindeer someday tooo so i can help santa! I hope i will have a glowing pink nose! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! - Lola Milwaukie, OR Time of Sighting: 10:26 p.m., Dec. 24 I can report seeing the reindeer this afternoon--Christmas Eve around 4:30 p.m. in downtown Portland, OR at the Macy's Santaland. They were viewing the display in their honor--the animated reindeer with the moving heads. Santa must give them some R & R just prior to their big world-wide flight. I think also that they check out any display that depicts them, to give approval to it. I did hear Donner comment that it is O.K. that sometimes his name is spelled "Donder" as it is in the Macy's display. It seems that he uses both spellings for his name, and in fact Donder is the older spelling. Apparently, either spelling is fine with him. Christie P.S. I am not a Macy's employee, just happened to be doing some last minute shopping. - Christie Portland, OR Time of Sighting: 4:30 p.m., Dec. 24 - Ariel Brentwood Time of Sighting: 8:17 p.m., Dec. 24 I was sitting at the computer, drinking a few brandies, and what did I see in the northern sky, 8 reindeer pulling a sleigh with a fat guy driving. He had a bunch of toys. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas. - Bobby Carson, WA Time of Sighting: 6:08 p.m., Dec. 24 They were eating my garden Knomes! - Shela At my house Time of Sighting: 12:35 p.m., Dec. 24 The reindeer were in a herd of five, and flying in a triangular formation, much like geese fly when in small groups (in the circumstances where they do not fly in a V-shaped formation). As if to help propel themselves forward, the large ungulates were using their legs in a dog-paddle kind of movements as they moved in a North-easterly direction. When I whistled to the reindeer as I do to crows, one looked down and acknowledged my call with a bellow. - Sonja Portland, OR Time of Sighting: 4:30 p.m., Dec. 23 They were black! - Rosie England Time of Sighting: 8:30 a.m., Dec. 23 I am an airline pilot for a regional airline based in SEA and PDX. After many hours of delays due to various reasons - this could be a long story if you were interested - we were arriving the Portland area from SEA near MT St Helens when I saw several Reindeer flying formation at 8000 feet. I said to the First Officer "That's something you don't see everyday." Regards. Capt BILL - Bill Vancouver, WA Time of Sighting: 12:10 a.m., Dec. 23 I saw it run then jump and head off to the sky and it even looked at me and bobbed it's head. - Molly Grand Rapids, MI Time of Sighting: 12:08 a.m., Dec. 22 There was 2 of them. They were very quiet, and they could fly sooo smoothly. They had small antlers and white tails. It was a very clear night and the moon was very bright, so it was easy for me to see them. It was on December 20 when it happened. I can't convince any one else that it happened, but I know that you will believe me!! - William Crossville, Alabama Time of Sighting: 9 p.m., Dec. 20 I hoped they would land in my yard ..I put carrots AND glitter to attract them... - Clara Connecticut Time of Sighting: 10 p.m., Dec. 17 It was huge and it was fast! - Sophie Portland, OR Time of Sighting: 9 p.m., Dec. 15 2006 I was on grounds checking things out and I sighted something in the sky that I thought was a plane but after hearing HO HO HO I knew it had to be my dear friend St.Nicholas - Chris Portland, OR Time of Sighting: 8 p.m. I worked the late shift at the Zoo on Christmas Day. During my rounds, I observed many pelleted feces scattered all over zoo grounds. Now, either the Day Keepers let the hoofstock run free (not likely) or the droppings were left by reindeer the night before (more likely). I collected a sample -- parasite free! - Melissa Oregon Zoo Time of Sighting: Dec. 25, 2006 My 2 year old son saw a reindeer flying outside our 6th floor hotel room. He believes it may have been Donder! He told me that Donder left him a gift on the balcony. Apparently Donder and some of the other reindeer are helping out Santa and doing sidetrips when Santa has parked his sleigh and is delivering presents. This was right after we saw Santa down in the lobby of our hotel! - Lara Noosa, Australia Time of Sighting: 7:12 p.m. Christmas Eve! They looked like a big shooting star, but we were able to see their antlers and hear some snorting of the reindeer. - Kina Baker City, OR Time of Sighting: 10:30 p.m. In the distance, over the ocean, Rudolph's nose was visible. - Olivia and Mariel Nahant, MA Time of Sighting: 8:45 A van full of my colleagues were driving back from Wausau, Wi. when they chanced upon a couple of reindeer in line at a Starbucks. They had their red harnesses on with brass jingle bells and were making a real commotion in line. Not so much for the clanging bells but because they were ordering two trays full of carmel machiatos, pumpkin spice and eggnog Venti size drinks and the baristas had their hands full while the other patrons waited patiently. They also tracked in a lot of snow and mud from their hooves, but were otherwise polite. Merry Christmas, Tony! - Donna Deer Park, WI Time of Sighting: 7 a.m., Dec. 18 The reindeer looked like they were on a test run. They must be getting ready for Christmas Eve night! - Michelle Oregon City, OR Time of Sighting: 5 p.m. I saw a reindeer fly yesterday and it landed on top of my house!! - Kong At my house I teach second grade and adored your interview which was published in the Detroit Free Press December 12. I found it both charming and informative. We will study animals, and this will be a great introduction. - Marian Rochester, MI Time of Sighting: Midnight I could not really tell but did in fact see several flying figures that definitely looked like reindeer. And then saw them fly past several boats and then disappeared into thin air. I stared form my porch calling out my wife telling her the amazing thing I saw. That night I went to bed and looked out my window and saw them fly by again!!! - Scott Newfoundland, Canada Time of Sighting: Late Day i was hunting with friends while several raindeer flew by over me so i stood in amazment then pointed my gun and shot and missed i did not realize they were real so i am very glad i did miss but it wouldve been cool if i had gotten evidence on real flying raindeer i am also glad that i didnt hit it them because i would have been on the notty list with Santa - Wayne Powason, Ontario, Canada Time of Sighting: while hunting I was looking out my window and I saw something in the sky circling around and I got my binoculars and it ended up being a reindeer flying around with a very bright light shining on the face of the reindeer!!! - Tamara North Bay, Ontario, Canada Time of Sighting: 5:45 p.m. Here's how they drink the milk: they tip over the glass with their tongue, carefully, so as not to break it. Then they lap it all up & use their tongue to right the glass up again. So there's no mess. If needed, they can have another reindeer use his tongue so the second can brace the glass so it doesn't just scoot around, but can actually be tipped up. They alternate houses as to who gets to drink it so any one reindeer doesn't get too much milk. - Nancy Riverview, MI, USA More than one person seen it. - Jackie Osceola, IA, USA Time of Sighting: 8:45 p.m. 2005 They were at the beach for some R&R after Christmas commenting about how warm the weather and water was at the beach compared to home. - Jonathon Cannon Beach, OR, USA Time of Sighting: Day after Christmas The reindeer looked like it was looking for something or someone. - Ashley Tigard, OR, USA Time of Sighting: 11:30 p.m. If you catch a reindeer I would like to see it and adopt please and thank you. - Ivan Etobicoke, ON, Canada Time of Sighting: 11 p.m. There were 9 of them and one with a red nose heading west. - Kelsey Gladstone, OR, USA Time of Sighting: 5:30 p.m. Dear Director Tony Vecchio, I wish to comment about the Reindeer Sightings article on KGW's website. There was a statement made that Santa's Reindeer only fly one day a year. There is a VALID, CREDIBLE source stating that there was an exception made to this in 1965. Santa knew that the Gemini 6 and Gemini 7 space capsules were both in space. He knew that this would be a perfect opportunity to take full advantage of the situation and give the crews of the space capsules some early Christmas (Holiday) cheer, as well. The advantage would be having a credible source (NASA Astronauts) to see him. Santa and his believers would definitely like that. A plus for everyone, win-win, if you will. The Gemini 6 astronauts were scheduled to reenter December 16, 1965 and they reported to NASA's mission control regarding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO's), "We have an object, looks like a satellite going from north to south, probably in polar orbit. Looks like he might be going to re-enter soon. You just might let me pick up that thing. I see a command module and eight smaller modules in front. The pilot of the command module is wearing a red suit," said Wally Schirra Jr. I was five years old when I heard something about this reported on the news, if I recall correctly. It brought wonder, awe, and excitement to me! It was nice to see an article about it in the prestigious Smithsonian. Also, to the brave men and women of the space program and military this is just a wonderful thought this time of year and always. Thank you, Brenda K. Price aka Reindeer Flying Believer and lover of the Space program. Sources Cited~ 1. Schirra's Space by Wally Schirra with Richard Billings 2. Smithsonian, December 2005 issue, pages 25 and 26 It was a cool sight that was on Christmas. - Tristan Canada I like to study about reindeer. - Phillip USA It was Christmas Eve and I was coming back from my sister's house driving into Boston when suddenly lots of cars were stopping and people were getting out of their cars and pointing so I looked up and I almost fainted! I don't care if people say Santa isn't real! There was the sleigh itself pulled by 8 reindeer! They were very small and so was the sleigh and Santa! I will remember that sight forever! - Gemma Boston, MA, USA Time of Sighting: 3:04 a.m. 2004 They were pulling a sleigh or just flying. - Ashley Oakland, OR, USA Time of Sighting: 12 a.m. (midnight) Flying right above zoolights! - Billy Portland, OR, USA Time of Sighting: 7 p.m. I saw it FLY! Daddy says they just jump really high. I SAW it fly! It was REALLY COOL! - Stephanie Danali, Alaska, USA Time of Sighting: dusk I heard a thumping noise on the rooftop and when I looked out the window, I saw a blur of antlers and shiny sleigh in the darkness. I think they were flying reindeer! I had no idea that they were so fast! I guess it makes sense if they have to travel around the world in ONE day! - Sarah Mission Viejo, CA, USA Time of Sighting: 1:43 a.m. They were following the path of the Spokane River in the Spokane Valley. Rudolph was leading the way. - Griffin Spokane, WA, USA Time of Sighting: 5 p.m. Reindeer footprints in the snow and food was half eaten and was scattered along the footprints in our front yard. - Carly Spokane, WA, USA Time of Sighting: Christmas Morning They were so high up I couldn't tell if Santa was with them or not, but I could count at least 6 individual deer flying over Lake Champlain this afternoon. - Mike Burlington, VT, USA Time of Sighting: 2:25 p.m. I was on my way past the Klicker Fruit stand in Walla Walla and noticed a herd of reindeer. As it is getting close to Christmas I felt it was my duty to make sure none of these animals were lost from Santa's sleigh. You will be happy to know not one came by calling out Santa's reindeer names. I only observed them eating and playing in the field but believe with all of my heart they were just waiting to fly. - Heather Walla Walla, WA, USA Time of Sighting: 12:35 p.m. 2003 I own two real live reindeer here in the mountains between Sweet Home & Eugene. The flying reindeer question (do they fly or have you seen them fly) is the most asked question we get when kids come to the farm or we take them out for displays. I have personally observed Vixon (daughter of Vixen & Rudolph) and Jingle Bell (daughter of Prancer (a girl reindeer) & Rudolph) both do a two step jump and leap in preparation of taking off to fly. As the 24th approaches, the practice jumps get higher and higher, until they are jumping a good 4' off the ground at this time of year. Although I have never been fortunate to see them actually fly, I believe they can and do and it is just a secret kept from most humans. Jingle Bell doesn't get to go on the "big trip" unless one of the other 8 reindeer are injured or sick, but with the genes she has, she can replace either Prancer or Rudolph, as needed. Vixon is always tired on the morning of the 25th when I go up to feed them, so it is obvious she has been busy during the night. Adult or child - it is hard not to believe in what reindeer can do once you spend some time with these wonderful and talented animals. They carry the spirit of Christmas with them year around and astound all they meet. Many people don't believe reindeer are real animals, but believe me, they are very real and they are not caribou masquerading as reindeer either. They are just the right size and weight to land on rooftops and are very, very fast when they want to be. Keep your eyes open the night of the 24th - reindeer are capable of making magic happen! Sincerely, Cindy
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