Solen the reindeer

There’s a familiar face back at Highland Wildlife Park and his return marks an important moment for both the park and his species.

Visitors may remember Solen, one of two European forest reindeer calves born here in 2020 alongside his brother Regnar. While it was difficult to say goodbye when both males left as part of the European breeding programme, their moves were an essential step in helping to protect and strengthen the population of their species across conservation zoos.

After spending three years at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Solen has now returned to the Highlands at five years old. His homecoming follows a difficult period, with the sad loss of both his brother Regnar last year and his father Sven. Today, Solen holds a unique and important role as the only male European forest reindeer in the UK and his presence offers renewed hope for the future of this threatened species.

Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, European forest reindeer have experienced a population decline of around 40% in recent decades. Once widespread across northern Europe, they now only survive in a few small, fragmented populations due to habitat loss and increasing human activity.

Perfectly adapted to life in cold climates, they possess some extraordinary survival features. Their long, slender legs help them move efficiently through deep snow, while a high concentration of oleic acid in their limbs acts as a natural antifreeze during harsh winters. In the summer months, they can spend up to 20 hours a day feeding, building up fat reserves that sustain them through winter when food is scarce. At that point they rely mainly on stored energy, occasionally digging through the snow to find their favourite snack - lichen.

You might notice that Solen’s antlers are just starting to come in. Male reindeer grow and shed these each year, with a full set of antlers weighing around 10kg. Reindeer are unique amongst deer species as both males and females can grow antlers! The male reindeer typically shed their antlers in early winter while the females retain theirs until calving season is over.

Solen has now been reunited with females Freya and Lumi in Wolf Wood, a habitat designed to reflect the forest environments these animals naturally live in. This reunion marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and we hope that in time Solen will play a key role in welcoming new calves and strengthening the population found in zoos.

Modern conservation zoos are essential in safeguarding species at risk of extinction. By maintaining healthy, genetically diverse populations and supporting international

breeding programmes, zoos like Highland Wildlife Park provide a crucial safety net while also inspiring visitors to protect, value and love nature.

We are delighted to welcome Solen home and look forward to visitors reconnecting with him.

Becky Pink

Hoofstock team leader at Highland Wildlife Park