Santa’s nine reindeer — Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder (the Pennsylvania Dutch spelling of Donner) Blitzen, and Rudolph — received the all-clear approval from Dr. Sarah Coburn, Alaska’s state veterinarian to fly to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg and Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Erin Luley reviewed Alaska’s Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and declared the team healthy, allowing them to fly from rooftop to rooftop for the purposes of toy delivery to the well-behaved children of Pennsylvania. These certificates are required as an assurance that contagious diseases are not carried across state lines.
“Despite the team’s long journey and sleigh full of packages,” Dr. Hamberg said, “Santa’s reindeer have received excellent care from Santa’s herd manager at the North Pole, and from Hersheypark’s team during their stay here, and they are all clear to spread joy across Pennsylvania.”
“After a full safety check and a little extra cocoa, I’m happy to report that Santa’s reindeer are officially cleared for flight,” said Executive Director Kaitie Burger. “Pennsylvania truly shines during the holidays, and there’s no better place to feel the magic of Christmas than right here in the Keystone State. From cozy small towns to the sparkle of Hersheypark, this is where festive traditions, sweet treats, and unforgettable holiday memories take flight.”
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