TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) sparked curiosity on Wednesday (Dec. 25) by posing a festive question on its official LINE account: Are Santa's sleigh-pulling reindeer male or female? Over 60% of respondents answered incorrectly, revealing a common misconception about these iconic animals.
Education officials clarified that both male and female reindeer grow antlers. However, males shed their antlers between November and December, while females retain theirs until April or May. This detail suggests that Santa's reindeer are likely females, as they would still have antlers during the Christmas season.
The Ministry cited data from the National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC, 國家科學委員會) "Sci-Tech Vista" (科技大觀園), which in 2017 highlighted that Santa's sleigh team predominantly consists of female reindeer. This revelation encourages a deeper appreciation for the natural world and challenges popular myths. As the holiday season continues, the Ministry of Education aims to promote scientific literacy through engaging and educational content.