The Tragic Truth of Reindeer Exploitation at Christmas

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is not just one of the best places to visit with kids in Essex, but we also happen to be a place that you can bring them to really learn about animal welfare and how to help those who can’t help themselves. Sadly, while the build-up to Christmas is an exciting time, for many animals it’s a time when they’re exploited and used as a profit-making object.

Reindeer, in particular, are used across the country as props for Christmas events and displays in markets, shopping malls, garden centres, schools, and more. In their natural habitat, reindeer can trek up to 3,000 miles per year, in freezing temperatures, far away from civilisation. Being kept in small pens for weeks on end, being forced into being petted by humans in loud and scary places couldn’t be further from their natural environment. Let’s not forget that these are also wild animals, who could, if threatened, cause injury to people around them. As naturally shy creatures, being part of a display is hugely stressful for them.

We receive a LOT of calls at this time of year about hiring our reindeer (and donkeys!) – Dancer our reindeer, who has lived here in peace for over 6 years now, will never be used for events or displays. She will always have the freedom of vast space, away from people. Sadly there are entire reindeer hiring companies set up in the UK, so if you hear of one then please do consider these points before you go along and show support:

Welfare Concerns: Animals used as props often face stress and discomfort. Unlike their natural habitats where they roam freely, when confined to small spaces or subjected to noisy environments, they can experience anxiety and distress. Often reindeer here in the UK are bred on reindeer farms, so please read this article by Animal Aid about the conditions that those poor animals are raised in. It breaks our hearts.

Natural Behavior Disruption: Many animals, such as reindeer, are accustomed to vast territories and specific social interactions. Being kept in a pen or handled for human entertainment can severely disrupt their natural behaviours and routine.

Exploitation: Using animals for profit during the festive season is pure exploitation. These animals are not props; they are living beings that deserve to be treated with respect and care, rather than being viewed as tools for entertainment. Normalising animal exploitation is not what we want to teach our children.

Lack of Understanding: Many people may not be aware of the specific needs and behaviours of the animals on display. This lack of knowledge can lead to inappropriate handling or treatment of the animals, further compromising their well-being and happiness. We’ve heard of kids pulling on reindeer’s antlers at some of the pop-up reindeer ‘meet and greets’ in our area. This is not okay on any level.

It Encourages the Cycle: When animals are used as props, it can perpetuate a cycle of exploitation, encouraging the view that exotic or wild animals are basically for entertainment. Teach your child about animal welfare and promote conservation rather than make it okay for them to have a selfie with an animal that should be in the wild.

Please do also read our blog on how you can help ALL animals this Xmas, and share this one also to help make people realise what an awful thing it is for a shy creature to be paraded for the public for the sake of a photograph. Thank you!