Santa’s reindeer cleared for Pa. deliveries

Santa's reindeer have been cleared to fly across Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve.

On Wednesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and state veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg joined Santa Claus and his team of reindeer at HersheyPark to announce that the reindeer received a clean bill of health.

"This magical time of year brings lightness and cheer to every Pennsylvanian -- no matter what holidays you celebrate," Shapiro said. "I love the holiday season and how it brings people together. This is a time for family, for generosity, for finding a bit of light -- also a time to remember folks like our state vets who serve our communities every day and help ensure Santa can make it safely to every community in Pa."

Santa's reindeer -- Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph -- received clearance to fly to Pennsylvania from Dr. Robert F. Gerlach, Alaska's state veterinarian. Hamberg reviewed their Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and declared them healthy to fly from rooftop to rooftop across all of Pennsylvania's 67 counties for the purposes of "toy delivery by air" to "good boys and girls of Pennsylvania."

"Despite Rudolph's shiny red nose and the team's mysterious ability to fly, our veterinary experts have declared Santa's reindeer healthy for their important holiday task," Redding said. "Due to excellent care from Santa's herd manager at the North Pole, and from Hersheypark's team during their stay here, parents across Pennsylvania can sleep peacefully on Christmas Eve."