In the heart of Anchorage, Alaska, a cherished tradition has been shattered. Star VII, the city’s beloved reindeer and unofficial mascot, was euthanized on April 1, 2025, after a devastating series of events that began with a chilling act of cruelty. The eight-year-old reindeer, known for leading parades, delighting schoolchildren, and embodying the spirit of Anchorage, succumbed to pneumonia and deteriorating health, weeks after a masked individual sprayed him with an unknown substance.
The saga began in January when someone tampered with the chain-link fence surrounding Star’s enclosure near downtown Anchorage. Albert Whitehead, Star’s 84-year-old caretaker, noticed the reindeer began losing weight soon after, suspecting a disturbance to Star’s rumen—the vital stomach that helps reindeer digest food. By February, the situation escalated. On the night of February 20, security footage captured a masked figure breaking into the enclosure and releasing Star onto the streets of Anchorage. The reindeer, familiar with the city from his regular walks, was found and returned by police.
But the following night brought a darker turn. Another masked figure—possibly the same person—returned and sprayed an unknown liquid directly into Star’s face. Whitehead, watching the horror unfold on his surveillance cameras, rushed outside, shouting for the intruder to stop. “Leave the reindeer alone!” he yelled, but the figure vanished into the night. Star’s health plummeted soon after, marked by a persistent cough, pneumonia, and digestive issues. Despite weeks of veterinary care, the reindeer’s condition worsened, leading to the heartbreaking decision to put him down.
Whitehead, who has continued a decades-long tradition of keeping reindeer named Star in Anchorage since the 1960s, is devastated. “I haven’t slept in days,” he shared, grieving not only the loss of Star but also a sense of safety in his community. The substance sprayed on Star remains unidentified, with speculation ranging from air freshener to something more toxic. A necropsy has been performed, but results are still pending, leaving more questions than answers.
Anchorage police are investigating, with a detective assigned to the case, but no suspects have been apprehended. The lack of closure has left residents reeling. Star wasn’t just an animal—he was a symbol of Alaskan heritage, a living link to a tradition started by Oro and Ivan Stewart in the 1950s. From appearing in parades to featuring on reality TV, Star VII carried a legacy that touched hearts far beyond Alaska’s borders.
For now, Whitehead says he can’t imagine bringing another reindeer to the same enclosure. “It’s just not safe right now,” he said, echoing a sentiment felt by many in Anchorage. The city mourns not only the loss of a beloved creature but also the innocence of a tradition that brought joy to generations. As the investigation continues, Anchorage holds its breath, hoping for justice for Star and a path forward for a community forever changed.
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