'We fully support his mission of safely spreading cheer'

History of the beloved reindeer:

’Operation Reindeer (click here) gets underway as motor carrier executives and animal experts set plans. Edwin L. Isenberger (left), Operations Engineer for Consolidated Freightways Inc., discusses novel move with Smithsonian National Zoological Park's Senior Keeper Charles Thomas and Assocaite Director J. Lear Grimmer. This image was taken at the Seattle Zoo where the handlers stopped to visit with ’Pepper Pot ’ at the reindeer exhibition to set plans for the trip. Operation Reindeer was the name for the transfer of 14 reindeer and 1 caribou to the National Zoological Park from Alaska in 1958. (Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 365, Box 15, Folder: 11)

The special care of Santa's reindeer in 2020:

There are no overworked reindeer at the North Pole. Everything is lining up. Nothing has been left to the last minute. It is exciting.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - Santa’s reindeer are cleared for take-off! (click here) 

December 18, 2020

Salem - Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up, let's go! (click here) To increase holiday cheer, the state veterinarian at the Oregon Department of Agriculture has issued an animal import permit to Santa Claus of 123 Elf Road, North Pole, and his reindeer in preparation for their upcoming visit to Oregon.

All livestock transported or moved in any manner into Oregon must obtain an import permit from the department before entry. To ensure safe entrance into the state and expedited access to good children everywhere, Dr. Ryan Scholz, state veterinarian with ODA, granted a permit to S. Claus effective through December 25, 2020. “It’s the season of generosity and a time for celebrating family and friends, and we know this is a busy time of year for everyone. We wanted to welcome Mr. Claus and guarantee smooth access for him and his reindeer during their travels later this month. We fully support his mission of safely spreading cheer,” said Scholz....