Visit Sápmi

Born to run

This day in May I joined Jonas Sjaunja – reindeer herder from Unna Tjerusj Sámi Community. The calves were being born around the clock and the herders were out there 24 hours a day. There was still a lot of snow in these mountains and late spring can make it difficult for the calves to make it. The herders work now is done by traveling on snow mobile in the areas where the reindeer are. Reading tracks in the snow and scouting with binoculars to find the herd and to protect it from carnivores.

Rein deer calves are born in May. As soon as possible they must try to get on their feet and follow their mothers. These ones are just a few days old and already they are keeping up with the herd.

/Lennart Pittja

• sápmi
• sámi
• rein deer
• calves
• Lennart Pittja
• lapland
• jonas sjaunja
• snow mobiles

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