BLOOMINGTON - It was all antlers and smiles Saturday at the Miller Park Zoo. For Dana and David Efaw of Bloomington, the chance to get their photo taken with Ealu, the zoo's reindeer, provided a possible option for this year's Christmas cards. But for their daughter, 4-year-old Katya, it was fun.

"It's pretty big," Katya said as she got her first look at Ealu.

The event was the first of three at the zoo where Ealu will be available to pose for holiday photos. She will be available again this Saturday and Nov. 30. The cost for the photo is $10 per family.

Ealu is about 4 years old. Last year, she was a member of Santa Claus' reserve team of reindeer that fly his sleigh, said Zoo Superintendent John Tobias.

During a break in posing, Ealu practiced her jumping and prancing with the help of zookeeper Carol Pagluica.

Tobias said the Christmas holiday is a time to highlight the reindeer at the zoo. This is the third year for the holiday photo program at the city-owned zoo, but reindeer have been part of the animal collection for nearly 15 years, Tobias said.

Although Ealu is a female, she still has her antlers. Tobias said male reindeer lose their antlers in the late fall, but it will be nearly spring when Ealu will lose hers.

Brian Bach, 3, of Normal wanted to go to the zoo to get his picture taken with Ealu. Afterward, he got an opportunity to pet Ealu.

"She's soft," he said.

But for Brian Bach's parents, Boyd and Laura, and his 11-month-old sister, Julie, the day may result in a holiday photo complete with the family wearing red and white Santa hats.

Toddler Mark Sinnott of Normal was all smiles and giggles Saturday as the 15-month-old watched Ealu while he and his parents were getting their photos taken.

Mark's parents, Chris and Lisa Sinnott, also were drawn to the event in search of finding a unique holiday photo to send to family and friends.

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Holidays and the zoo

Holiday photos with Ealu the reindeer

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 30

Where: Miller Park Zoo, 1020 S. Morris Ave.

Reservations: Call (309) 434-2250 or go online at www.millerparkzoo.org.

Cost: Photo sittings are $10 per family and zoo admission. Each family will receive a CD of three poses.

Breakfast with Santa and the reindeer

When: Dec. 6 and 13

Reservations: Call (309) 434-2250 or go online at www.millerparkzoo.org.

Can reindeer fly?

What: Ealu faces series of tests to try out for Santa Claus' flying crew.

When: 2 p.m. Dec 7, 14 and 21.