The pair’s names are Spicy and Spike, and they are a true Christmas miracle.
Two reindeer twins have defied the odds just in time for Christmas. The couple was born on a farm outside of Anchorage, Alaska.
According to experts, it is rare for reindeer born together to survive. The twins named Spicy and Spike not only survived, but are now thriving.
Reindeer reside on Williams Reindeer Farm, where they serve as a tourist attraction for farm visitors.
“The twins are super special,” she said. “They’re super awesome because Spike was bottle-raised, he was in a special pen.”
Those touring the farm, where reindeer have lived for more than three decades, could stop by to learn about the twins’ story.
“We have the largest captive herd in North America…in the 30 years of having reindeers, no other twins have survived beyond 24 hours.”
“As far as we know, we know a lot of other reindeer farmers that I don’t know anybody else has had twins that survived.”
There have only been a handful of documented cases of reindeer twins surviving throughout the world.
Waite stated, “I actually have a picture of her the day before she gave birth and she doesn’t even look pregnant.”
“It was amazing to have these two twins that were both nursing off the same mom and she was licking them both dry. She totally knew they were both her babies.”
When the twins’ mother, Sugar Mama, went into labour, the farm staff immediately noticed something was amiss.
She had only been in labour for approximately 20 minutes when Waite arrived at Sugar Mama’s house.
She was able to observe the delivery as soon as she arrived.
Labor typically lasts longer than that. Sugar Mama was so composed throughout the birthing process that Waite invited farm visitors to observe.
Waite reported seeing two hooves emerge after the first foal was born.
When she realized they were twins and realized that both the babies and the mother were in danger, she admits to experiencing a brief moment of panic.
Waite’s optimism regarding the twins’ survival grew with each passing day.
Spike required special care, which necessitated the initial separation of the twins. Since then, they have been brought back together.
“They’re weaned, weaned from the bottle, weaned from their mom,” Waite told KTUU-TV. “They’re in the same pen now, and they find each other often.”
The twins spend their days together lounging and consuming the same hay bale.
Waite believes that her dogs Spicy and Spike possess “twin telepathy.” They are constantly seeking one another out. Waite asserts that the twins remain “best friends” despite their separation.
When twin reindeer are born, a boy and a girl are typically born.
Occasionally, these infants may be sterile. Waite says that even if the twins are unable to reproduce, they will remain on the farm and never be sold.
So, these two will spend the remainder of their lives together on the farm.