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 16, 2012 through January 6, 2013.
Name the Reindeer Contest
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Meet our male reindeer, Orion! The winning name was chosen by Linda Sue O’Connor from Cupertino, CA. She chose the name because "Orion is a prominent winter constellation in the night sky, on view from November to February of each year and the name goes well with the female reindeer, who was named after the star, Polaris." Linda Sue visited the Academy for many years with her son, but this will be her first time experiencing the new building since it reopened in Golden Gate Park. She is looking forward to viewing the new architecture and learning more about its sustainable design, seeing Claude the albino alligator, and meeting the reindeer! Three finalists were chosen from 581 entries and the winner was selected by the public via social media. Prize PackageThe winner plus guest receives an exclusive up-close-and-personal reindeer experience at the California Academy of Sciences:
About the Reindeer
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Members’ Choice
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We're excited to announce that Academy members voted in an online poll to name our first reindeer Polaris, after the star near the Celestial Pole that guides the way for explorers in the north. About the Reindeer
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About the Exhibit
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Share the sights, sounds and science of the holidays with 'Tis the Season for Science. Experience indoor snow flurries, get up close and personal with live reindeer, and discover the science of seasons in an immersive Snowman Theater. Daily programs and scientific specimens explore the many adaptations of animals in winter-from birds and butterflies that migrate thousands of miles, to bears and beetles that hunker down to endure the cold. Enjoy festive decorations and a suite of holiday-themed programs for all ages, including quiz shows, live music and dance performances. |
Thank you to our 'Tis the Season for Science Media Sponsors:
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Experience the world’s only aquarium-planetarium-rainforest-living museum.
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Become a member and enjoy a full year of excitement, wonder and exploration.
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.
