A Reindeer in the Family

"When you look after a sick reindeer calf, it develops a personality and then you can never hurt it in any way" This statement from a Nenets woman illustrates the close bond that exists between Siberia's Nenets people and their reindeer. The Nenets adopt some baby reindeer as pets which they call ‘Avkas'. These pet reindeer are often orphaned or sick animals but some are selected just because they have nice markings. White reindeer with blue eyes are considered special and they often become Avkas. Although Avkas may have rough start to life they usually end up having a cushy existence and are well fed. Unlike other reindeer in the herd they are privileged and are not used as draught animals to pull heavy sleds, nor are they slaughtered for meat. With their often pampered existence Avkas can live to the ripe old age of 20 years.