Thank you for helping the California Academy of Sciences name its two resident reindeer that are part of the second annual ‘Tis the Season for Science exhibit from November 23, 2011 through January 16, 2012.
Members’ Choice
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We’re excited to announce that Academy members voted in an online poll to name our first reindeer Miles. Reindeer can travel up to 3,000 miles in a single year – the most of any land mammal. What a fitting name! About the Reindeer
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Name the Reindeer Contest
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Meet our female reindeer, Aurora! Three finalists were chosen from almost 700 entries to appear on 7Live and the winner was selected via social media. The winning name was chosen by 11-year-old Destani Derrico from Concord, CA. She chose this name because "the aurora borealis and reindeer share the same habitat. They also both share the same kind of beauty." Destani’s favorite Academy exhibits are the rainforest and swamp. When she is older, she would like to specialize in marine mammals, and volunteer at the Academy. Prize PackageThe winner plus one guest receives an exclusive up-close-and-personal reindeer experience at the Academy:
About the Reindeer
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About the Exhibit
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The popular ‘Tis the Season for Science exhibit returns for a second year, bringing with it the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Experience indoor snow flurries, get up close and personal with live reindeer, and immerse yourself in a snow-themed mini-dome show. In addition, daily programs and real scientific specimens will reveal how some of our most beloved holiday symbols and traditions are connected to the natural world. See where cinnamon comes from, learn little-known facts about mistletoe, and find out if partridges really live in pear trees. The science behind the food, plants, and animals we associate with the holidays may just surprise you! |
Tickets |
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Admission to the California Academy of Sciences includes access to all museum and aquarium exhibits, including the rainforest, the planetarium, the living roof, and special ‘Tis the Season for Science activities during regular admission hours.
Museum Hours |
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Monday - Saturday
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tickets can be purchased up to an hour before closing.
The Academy is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Did You Know? |
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- Reindeer are the only species of deer in which both the males and the females have antlers. Males use their antlers for jousting while competing for access to the females. Females use their antlers when competing for access to food.
- Reindeer migrate farther each year than any other land mammal. They can travel up to 33 miles each day, and over 3,000 miles in a year.
- Reindeer have several helpful adaptations for living in the snow. Their broad hooves function like snowshoes, and their sensitive noses can smell food that is buried beneath the snow.
- Reindeer are excellent swimmers. Their wide hooves help them paddle through the water efficiently, and their coat is made up of hollow hairs, which keeps them warm and makes them more buoyant.
- Several groups of people in the Eurasian Arctic have domesticated reindeer for their milk, which has a higher fat content than cow’s milk.
- Reindeer and Caribou are actually members of the same species that live in different parts of the Arctic and sub-Arctic – reindeer live in Eurasia and caribou in live North America. The only meaningful difference between them is that reindeer have been domesticated, while caribou have not.
- Lots of kids leave apples or carrots out for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve, but the best snack for reindeer is something kids can collect in their own backyards. Lichens and mosses are the reindeer’s favorite food.
