These past few days we have been busy with school programs. Yesterday, Sarah an intern, did a reindeer presentation at Girdwood Elementary.
After the kids learned about reindeer, which are domesticated caribou, Sarah had them make their own reindeer puppet out of a brown paper bag. Once the kids were finished with their craft they went outside to meet our reindeer named Bert.
Today, Thursday, we had porcupine presentations in anchorage.
So we loaded up the yukon with Snickers our porcupine and headed to town.
But before we left Portage we had a few mouths to feed...
Can you guess who this belongs to?
Today's porcupine program was at Russian Jack Elementary. First, Scott and Sarah presented to the ASSDHH. This stands for the Alaska State School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Scott has taken 2 years worth of sign language studies in college. This came in handy today. The teachers were very impressed with his skills. By the end of the 2 programs we all learned a few more signs.
Meanwhile, back at the center, Doug Lindstrand took some amazing photos of the animals enjoying the little bit of sunshine that they had.
Walter sure was being a photo bomber! He is so handsome!
Photo courtesy of Doug Lindstrand
Hooty and Snappy were also photogenic today. Actually, I think every animal is photogenic when Doug Lindstrand is behind the camera. They were also awaiting their meal which was a nice fat rat.
Jeremy fed the lynx for us today since we were in town all day. You may not see it in this picture, but I am sure Jeremy was terrified the whole time.
Photo courtesy of Doug Lindstrand
Well the reindeer have almost lost all their antlers. Out of the five we have in the herd I think only 2 reindeer have one left each. The reindeer lose their antlers to signal that rut is over. Rut is the time of year when they are breeding. People ask me if it is a painful process. I like to compare it to losing a baby tooth; just a little uncomfortable.
photo courtesy of Doug Lindstrand
It has been a very productive day along with educational. I better catch some shut eye so I can get ready for Groundhog's Day Alaskan style! Oh I can't tell you what it is yet....you will just have to wait and read!Goodnight Lower 48,
ErIn
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