Contributed by Kerry Nelson
Winter at the Musk Ox Farm
Did you know, winter is one of the best times to come and visit your local musk oxen?
It’s the favorite season of these arctic beauties, and to see them in their true element here offers a glimpse into their lives out on the tundra. And we personally think it’s much easier to take a short drive to the Musk Ox Farm than hop on a plane to the wilds of Alaska. There’s another reason to come on out in winter – bulls! If you’ve ever been to the farm in summer, chances are our breeding bulls have moved to the back pastures, because they are in rut. While the rest of our herd is of course always worth seeing, there’s nothing like getting to see the incredible, hulking sway of an eight-hundred-pound bull musk ox in all of his glory. Bulls are moved up to the front pastures once they are no longer in rut, so you’re guaranteed to see them during the winter months!
Why Alaskans Should Visit
Alaskans should come to the Musk Ox Farm because it's a truly one-of-a-kind Alaskan experience, and our local communities should take advantage of the unique gem they have in their own backyards that people from all over the globe travel to visit. Musk oxen are an arctic animal that many will never get to see up close in their lifetime, and it's a true gift to have them here. You get to come and experience these remnants of the last Ice Age, and leave having learned more about a musk ox than you ever thought possible. Oh, and did we mention musk ox babies? That alone is a reason to visit!
Visiting us also helps support our organization. As a non-profit, our mission is to promote gentle musk ox husbandry and qiviut production, and to educate the public. We see our musk oxen as arctic ambassadors, and we strive to provide a connection to musk oxen that resonates with our visitors for years to come. When people care about musk oxen on our farm, they care about musk oxen in the wild - and in turn, start to pay attention to other species and the issues they may be facing. So, how does supporting us make an impact? By visiting the farm for a tour, purchasing qiviut in our gift shop, or donating to our nonprofit - you are not only helping us care for our animals and maintain our facility, but you are also allowing our organization to remain strong enough to continue our work for years to come, and be a destination right here in the Valley. So, layer up like all Alaskans are experts at – and come on out for a visit this winter!
To visit: We are currently booking tours by reservation, and we would love to have all of our beautiful local Alaskans come out to see us and our herd! Tour times and availability varies based on the season, and of course the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic. Book your tour online at muskoxfarm.org/visit - or call (907) 745-4151.
To donate: Visit muskoxfarm.org/donate.