Game Over! It sort of breaks my heart to be writing this because the first time I came here to this, the Reindeer Farm, it was pretty much exactly 1 year ago.
Yep that's right. Back in 2021, during my 2-week voyage around Alaska...coming here for the 1-hour tour of this Reindeer Farm was the most memorable thing I experienced!
I loved this place! I recommended it to everyone!
Upon returning to Alaska this Summer of 2022...I knew the one place I had to visit again...was this Reindeer Farm.
I stopped by here 2 days ago on Sunday, July 10th, 2022.
Now...they no longer allow you to get time with the reindeer. What I mean is...you can't enter their area, or their playpen or home.
You can only see them, pet them and feed them from behind the fence!!!
Really??? That ruined everything for me!!!
This totally took away from that human, intimate, and affectionate face-to face encounter. I was stunned by this.
My expectations were so high for returning and for them to be dashed by having to stand behind a fence. This whole new experience was a massive disappointment.
I know I'm repeating myself...but you can go to any zoo anywhere in the United States and view animals from behind a fence.
But last year when I got to kiss and make nice with the reindeer without having any hindrances between us...it was one of the greatest interactions I've had with an animal.
Ugh...it can't be this way. Honestly, for me, lol, it was like a bad nightmare.
Basically, this Reindeer Farm...and it's just my opinion...has now been transformed into a walkalong farm or zoo.
And for them to call it a "Reindeer Farm"? What? I spent more time this 2nd visit looking at the other animals from behind the fences than I did at the actual reindeer (from behind the fence) :(
Oh well, how much more can I vent. It is what it is. Welp...I will no longer recommend this place. You can't not have the fence. You just can't.
I guess, lol, I've always wanted to be a villain. And I guess I am being one with writing this review, lol.
Anyhow...here were some other details and changes I noticed from 2021 to 2022...
- In 2021, it was a 1-hour guided tour where the guide happily took photos for everyone. I generously tipped the guide $10 back in 2021.
Now for 2022, it's go at your own pace. Do and see what you'd like.
- In 2021 it was $13 entrance fee. Now it's $15...and I'm sure over time it will easily get to $20...especially when you think how expensive glacier tours are in this area in comparison to this little animal farm. Not even close.
- New for 2022, they offer a Food Truck in the center of the farm with hamburgers and hotdogs for families to have lunch. Now they can overcharge and bring in more revenue.
- They feature the same moose, elk, pig and horses/ponies.
Some new animals on the farm they showcased were alpacas, Highland Cattle (or cows), Tibetan Yaks (whatever those are) and a couple of bunny rabbits.
- Finally, at the end of the walking tour they feature the reindeer behind a fence. They give you a small cup to feed the reindeer, but how can you enjoy the moment from behind a fence? Especially myself with all the joy I felt last year? And pictures as well...who wants a fence in your pictures when last year there were no impediments.
- Funny, I spoke with the owner and she never gave me a reason for why the reindeer were off limits in terms of the fence.
I did speak with an employee inside the Gift Shop and she said children were tugging at the reindeer's antlers and that was stressing them out, according to the veterinarian. If so...then only allow responsible adults inside the reindeer's pen! Why punish us?
- In the end...there were still plenty of visitors and families stopping by. What do they know? Kids could care less about a fence. Parents are there for their kids and kids just want to be themselves.
Ultimately, this Reindeer Farm is still doing fine and still thriving, even without this...my negative blast on Yelp, lol.
It's fine. I got my perfect photos from 2021. I have my mementoes.
I won't be returning to this Reindeer Farm. What a clever concept to begin with. But now...with every animal on the farm being behind a fence (especially the main attraction being the reindeer) the human element interaction is forever lost...and that makes me sad. read more