COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium made a bittersweet post on Facebook Thursday, announcing that it has welcomed two new reindeer, Candy Cane and Figgy Pudding. 

At the same time, the zoo also announced the passing of its longtime reindeer resident, Sugar Plum. 

What You Need To Know

  • Sugar Plum has been at the zoo for more than 11 years, described by her team as “the boss of all of us"

  • Carrying on her memory will be Candy Cane and Figgy Pudding, who arrived at the zoo more than a month ago

  • The zoo said reindeer were also the first animals to arrive when it first opened in 1927

"After thorough medical evaluations, it was observed that (Sugar Plum) had notable and widespread degenerative joint disease, including of the spine, which led to a rapid decline in mobility," the zoo wrote in the post. "Despite the amazing care provided by her team and after quality of life assessments were conducted, the difficult decision was made for her to be humanely euthanized. As you can imagine, this is a tough time for her care team who loved her dearly."

Sugar Plum has been at the zoo for more than 11 years, described by her team as “the boss of all of us."

Sugar Plum. (Courtesy of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)

Carrying on her memory will be Candy Cane and Figgy Pudding, who arrived at the zoo over a month ago. The two, who are both 7 months old, started on a farm in Alaska living with other reindeer. They now reside with fellow zoo reindeer resident, Abby, and can be seen by the public. 

Over the past month, the reindeer care team has been behind the scenes ensuring Candy Cane and Figgy Pudding adapt to their surroundings. One item the zoo noted is the burlap along the perimeter fence, which is part of the acclimation process and will be taken down once zoo staff believes that are completely comfortable in their new space. 

"As we welcome new additions, we honor the memories and contributions of those who have enriched our lives. Please be sure to visit the reindeer habitat during your next visit and welcome our newest residents, Figgy Pudding and Candy Cane," the zoo wrote. 

The zoo said reindeer are members of the deer family, but also share the same species name with caribou. Over recent years, caribou have declined, but not enough to raise any protection concerns. The largest populations can be found in Alaska, the Yukon and northwest territories. 

The zoo said reindeer were also the first animals to arrive when it first opened in 1927.

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