(HELENA) Families got a holiday treat Saturday, as two live reindeer made an appearance in Helena.
Hundreds of kids and parents visited Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply to see the reindeer, 7-year-old Olive and 5-year-old Candy Cane. They were even able to pet the animals.
Margaux Lilly brought her 16-month-old son Kaden.
“He was very excited to see them,” she said. “He loves animals, so I wanted to definitely make sure we came over here and got to see the animals.”
The reindeer were brought in by Reindeer Express, a company that maintains a herd of about 45 near Reardan, Washington.
Both Olive and Candy Cane are females. Female reindeer – unlike deer, elk and moose – also grow antlers.
Reindeer Express has been bringing their animals to Murdoch’s stores in Montana for about six years and to the Helena store for five.
In addition to the reindeer, visitors were able to get their picture taken with Santa Claus.
“I know we’ll continue to keep coming, just because it’s a nice little thing – to have Santa and then to see his reindeer before they come,” Lilly said.
These reindeer will also make appearances in Missoula, Butte, Bozeman and Kalispell later this month.
