LOS ANGELES, CA — Two reindeer that were wrangled from the 5 Freeway after they escaped are safe and back with their owner, according to city animal authorities, who said on Wednesday that the two animals are “ready for their important Christmas duties.”
The reindeer, named Cookie and Noel, escaped from their transport trailer on Saturday morning and were spotted walking along the southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway, near the 118 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley, according to LA Animal Services.
The animals’ owner was able to recover one of the reindeer after it was struck, NBC Los Angeles reported.
The California Highway Patrol slowed traffic on the freeway as the animals trotted along the freeway. Video aired by KTLA shows a slow-moving Caltrans vehicle attempting to corral one of the animals.
“LA Animal Services responded to the scene and, with assistance from CalTrans and a good samaritan, successfully corralled the animals,” officials wrote in a social media post.
The animals were both transported to the city’s West Valley Animal Center for examination and care. They have since both been reunited with their owner, officials said.
“Thank you to Dr. Bamert; LA Animal Services Animal Control Officers Briefman and Greslie; and Animal Care Technician Lee for their efforts in caring for Cookie and Noel, and ensuring these reindeer are ready for their important upcoming Christmas duties,” Animal Services officials wrote.