About us
Skakkerud was established in 2014 when we took the first reindeer into the sanctuary. We are located in Vesterelv - 5 km away from Varangerbotn in Northern Norway.
Here, we provide a safe recovery place for reindeer that needs some extra care, nurturing them until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild. The Arctic winter can be a tough challenge for the reindeer. With freezing temperatures and deep snow, these animals have adapted to thrive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Their thick fur coats keep them warm, and their keen instincts guide them to find food beneath the snow. But despite of that, during very hard winters, it is necessary to help some of the reindeer to survive. Our mission is to help those in need, and ensure they thrive in their natural habitat. It belongs to the Sami traditions to take home weak reindeer calves for recovery.
Every reindeer has its own unique personality, and they are truly amazing animals. We have great respect for the reindeer, and offer only natural interaction with them. Some of them will seek closer contact, while others keep a greater distance.
Our reindeer herd belongs to the Rákkonjárga reindeer district. The district spreads out on both sides of the Tana River, from Polmak/Tana along the Finnish border to Berlevåg by the Barents Sea. The reindeer herd is located in different places during winter and summer time. We migrate with the herd from summer pasture to the winter pasture every year. We use ATV's. snowmobiles, dogs and drones for this work.
All the reindeer living at this reindeer sanctuary are released in spring time and roam freely until the snow arrives. The reindeer are happy to spend the winter with us, but when spring comes, they are all eager to go into the wild again. These reindeer are grazing in Berlevåg area with our larger herd during the summer months.
The owner
I am Ragne Kristine Smuk. I was born and raised in a Sami reindeer herding family. Sami language is my mother tongue. I am educated nurse, as well as having education in Sami language from the University in Tromsø. I work partly as nurse and partly as a teacher at school in Sami language, in addition to run this reindeer sanctuary. I Have always been interested in animals, especially dogs and reindeer. I have also two Australian shepherds living with me. Dogs have always been a natural and traditional part of Sami homes - both as family members and for helping with reindeer herding.
Both of my parents are from reindeer herding families. From a young age, I learned the importance of hard work, respect for the land, and the Sami traditions that have been passed down for generations.
My brother works full-time with the reindeer herd all year around. I am taking part in the main activities in the autumn, like calf marking, migration, separation and slaughtering. It belongs to the Sami tradition for families to work together. Sami families have a strong sense of community and cooperation. We work together to herd our reindeer, share resources, and support each other in times of need. Cooperation is essential for our way of life, and it is deeplyained in our culture.
Photo: Tonje M.Utsi
Photo: Ira Bæhr
Photo: Ira Bæhr
The story about Náste
He was a late-born calf which was left by its mother in August 2019. He needed some special care to survive. He was bottlefed and became really attached to humans, but despite of that he went on summer grazing with our larger herd every summer and did very well in the wilderness. During autumn 2022 he disappeared while he was on summer grazing with the herd, and unfortunately we haven´t seen him after September 2022. We still hope he will show up again some day.
The story about Časna
This is our bossy lady Časna. In the winter of 2020 she was found in the mountains when the herd was gathered. She was really weak at that moment and wasnt able to follow the herd anymore. We brought her to Skakkerud hoping she would get better, and she did! It actually did not take her long to regain her strength again. And when she did, she would follow us around everywhere. She has been here every winter afterwards, and has already given birth to three calves. She always make sure she is first in line for the daily meal. A meal that she does not like to share with her fellow reindeer friends. Except with her own calf. Yes, she shows that she is a good mom.
The story about Hans
In the winter of 2019, a weak little reindeer calf was found on a mountain ledge near Dierggejávri, on the south side of the Varangerfjord. The intention was for the reindeer calf to be released into the wild again eventually, but he had to get strong enough first. With proper grooming and good care, Hans gained more and more energy, and he was ready to be released with a reindeer herd that was on its way to summer grazing. Now Hans is here every winter season, but goes to the wild with the larger herd every summer.
The story about Orbin
This is Orbin or «Orphan» in English. His mother died when he was a little calf, and he was found just outside of our home very lonely. He came to us without hesitating when we invited him to join us. We took care of him, and he grew big and strong. He is now a strong male with strong opinions. Orbin is a dark colored reindeer, which in Sami is called «muzet».
The story about Česke
This is Česke, another white beauty. His story shows us that there is definitely magic in a white reindeer. He was still a very small calf when we first met him in the fall of 2021. His antlers were broken close to his scull. His chances of surviving the winter were given up. Nobody believed he would make it through the winter. The broken antlers would take him too much energy. But he still came with us to Skakkerud. We had a feeling about him, that he might surprise us. And he did! After a month or two the antlers were healed and Česke became stronger. He survived and is still with us every winter. Česke is not only a fighter, he is very curious and kind.
He is not afraid to meet you and will eat out of your hand.
The story about Vennen
Vennen was brought here as a little calf in 2018 after he was too weak to keep up with the herd. He has done well over the years, but he has also some funny stories! One year, he even surprised everyone by coming home to his owner in the middle of winter (Without actaually knowing where his owner lived because his owner had just moved to a new place). This autumn, he has surprised by coming to the city of Vadsø, where he has been hanging around during the autum, and sought out people.
Just before Christmas 2024 he was picked up from the city and arrived at Skakkerud shortly after.
Vennen needed some extra care, as he was underweight and had some minor wounds on his body. Here, he will receive the attention and food he needs.
