Nikiski family welcomes reindeer calf

Dancer the reindeer and her new baby, a female, after its birth on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in Nikiski, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Megan Ward)

Dancer the reindeer and her new baby, a female, after its birth on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in Nikiski, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Megan Ward)

One Nikiski farm just got a whole lot cuter.

The Hansen family welcomed a baby reindeer Tuesday when their pregnant female reindeer, Dancer, gave birth. The family has raised and trained everything from cattle and horses to goats and a pig over the years, said Jenna Hansen. They got involved with reindeer five years ago, said her mother, Hara Hansen.

Hara said she and her daughter Megan Ward did not want to disturb Dancer, who is relatively new to their home, so they filmed the birth on Ward’s phone through a pair of binoculars through their window.

[Read the rest of this Peninsula Clarion story]

More in News

The Norwegian Sun in port on Oct. 25, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Ships in port for t​​he week of May 4

Here’s what to expect this week.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, May 6, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, May 5, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, May 4, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore berths in Juneau Harbor in late October of 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Cruise ship employee arrested after stabbing multiple people aboard with scissors

South African man tried to deploy lifeboat, then attacked security staff, nurse and a passenger.

Members of the state House and Senate look at a tally board showing the failure of Bob Griffin to be confirmed to the Alaska state school board on Tuesday. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska Legislature rejects Dunleavy-nominated state school board member

Two other nominees for boards and commissions fail to gain approval as lawmakers approve 78 of 81.

Members of the Alaska House Finance Committee discuss their first-draft budget on Tuesday, March 12. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska House nears vote on big increase for public school maintenance statewide

House Finance Committee approved the most school maintenance funding since 2011.

Members of the Alaska House Finance Committee, at left, listen to budget aide Remond Henderson during a break in amendment discussions on Monday, March 27, 2023. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska House committee kills state-owned corporation’s plan to borrow up to $300 million

AIDEA did not identify specific projects or a timeline for spending.

Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. board members including Gabrielle Rubenstein (wearing white) meet with staff and advisors on Oct. 30, 2023, to discuss a proposal to raise the fund’s rate of return by making riskier investments. The idea stalled when advisors suggested the strategy and timing are ill-advised. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Permanent Fund board calls special meeting Wednesday due to leaked emails alleging improper behavior

Ellie Rubenstein accused of setting up meetings between APFC staff and her business associates.

Most Read