Preparations for the festive season are underway for the team at Enchantment Cornwall, as their reindeer get ready to wow crowds at Christmas events across Cornwall. Throughout December, Enchantment’s resident reindeer Ted and Rudy will be heading to Cornish events to spread some festive cheer, while offering a wonderful opportunity for people to see how these fascinating animals are cared for - away from the North Pole.

Dannii, who has always kept animals and whose family are passionate about competing in equestrian events, previously worked as a lecturer in beauty therapy. But her love for different animals has always remained at the heart of everything.

“It was always my dream to own reindeer,” she said. “We took an amazing trip to Lapland, which was my very first experience with reindeer - and really solidified my dream to have my own!”

Nine years later, in February 2019, Dannii welcomed the first pair of reindeer to the already busy yard at home on Bodmin Moor - Ted and Rudy. In more recent years, they have been joined by Nimbus and Katla. To date, Enchantment Cornwall is home to almost 50 animals - and what a mix they are: four reindeer, three donkeys, three ponies, two goats, two sheep, two leopard geckos, one crested gecko, a bearded dragon, two tortoises, three micro squirrels, a hamster, ten rabbits, eight guinea pigs, an African pygmy hedgehog and even stick insects and African giant snails.

While most of the animals are re-homed, the reindeer were purchased as pets. Dannii acquired a licence to keep them and once Ted and Rudy arrived and settled in, she was approached by some friends to see if they could attend some small Christmas events - Ted and Rudy’s first taste of the festive celebrations they are so familiar with today, and the start of a brand new venture for Dannii.

“After Covid, we started to do more visits to venues in Cornwall to cover the cost of keeping the reindeer,” Dannii continued. “In 2018, I gave up teaching and moved to Duchy College where I became an advisor working with animals in the Foundation learning department with SEN students. I also worked as a case worker, so I was in regular contact with the council, parents and school. I decided that that’s what I wanted my life to be: helping people while working with animals.”

This summer, Enchantment Cornwall AEC was born: an alternative education provider focused on animal care, as Dannii explained: “It was all about incorporating education, animals and personal development. It’s really nice to see the animals and people working together. We also do some school visits on weekdays, so it’s a lovely experience for the children to meet the animals and see how they are looked after.”

This Christmas, Enchantment Cornwall will be attending Christmas lights switch-ons, fayres, and care homes to sprinkle a little festive magic. They will also be at Cornwall Christmas Market at the Royal Cornwall Showground from 12th-14th December.

Dannii added: “The reindeer work 18 days a year, taking visits in turn. They’re very sociable in their own way; they’re happy to come over, eat out of your hand or buckets. They’re not as keen on cuddles as they are on food! Every year, they shed their antlers and grow a bigger set for attraction and protection of their herd. Ted likes to wrap the lead rope around his antlers and then tap you to get your attention, while Nimbus doesn’t like people at all - each one of them has their own personality, and we work with them to ensure they enjoy their Christmas experiences as much as their visitors.

“I absolutely love what I do, and it’s so wonderful to see the children’s faces light up when they see them at Christmas.”

For more information about Enchantment Cornwall, their education sessions and local events, go to Enchantment Cornwall - reindeer and friends on Facebook, or visit www.enchantmentcornwall.com