Visit with Santa’s reindeer at the Living Desert

The holidays are in full swing at the Living Desert. New this year: visits with Santa’s reindeer.

This is the 25th year the zoo has transformed its grounds into a winter wonderland for guests. It wanted to make this year bigger than before which is why two of Santa’s reindeer are in residence.

Guests can visit with Cookie and Thunder, snap some pictures and feed them snacks.

“Cookie and Thunder are so sweet. So Cookie is an adult about 8 years old, she’s a female. And Thunder is about 8 months old and he’s just super sweet,” said director of park services and guest relations Dawn Petrick.

Guests can see the reindeer for free with paid admission. There will also be a select number of reindeer photo and feeding opportunities available for purchase each Wildlights evening. Wildlights runs from the 15 until the 24 of December from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission to Wildlights is $10 for adults and $8 for members, children and military (with ID). Children under 3 are free.