Naming of the calves to begin

Reindeer calves are a sure sign of spring in Alaska

Schoolchildren are invited to help attach monikers to reindeer calves born this spring at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm. Over thirty calves are expected to begin arriving by mid-April. It's an exciting time for the UAF Reindeer Research Program, and perusing the proposed names is part of the fun.

Some examples posted so far are Chewy, Diego, and Boots for the males and Button, Dora, and Hibbie for the females. Any child can visit here, select "the farm" and then "name our calves." Not all submissions are selected, but a sure way to "lose" is to suggest any name affiliated with Santa's reindeer, so forget about Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

The RRP staff have been hosting the naming contest for the past seven years, with children across the US participating. The calves are actually given numbers when they are born and receive their names in July once they are weaned from their mothers.

Since 1981, RRP has taken an active role in the development and promotion of the Alaska reindeer industry. Research projects range from herd management and animal health to nutrition and meat quality, but something all the projects have in common is their direct applicability to reindeer herders and producers. The mission of RRP is to further develop and promote the production of reindeer in the state of Alaska through research and collaboration with producers and local communities.

Addendum (April 8, 2009):
"First reindeer calf of the spring at UAF needs a name, not just a number," Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, April 8, 2009, by Dermot Cole

First calf of the season was photographed at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm April 7, 2009