Eduard Sandrin: The guardian of the Tundra

Eduard Sandrin, a zootechnician from the Shuryshkarsky District, is more than just a caretaker of reindeer—he is a living legend, a bridge between tradition and modernity, and a guardian of a way of life that is slowly fading into history.

A Childhood Shaped by the Tundra

Born in 1962 near Old Kievat, Eduard’s life began in a winter camp, surrounded by the rhythms of reindeer herding. His parents intended to name him Eric, but a misunderstanding led to the name Eduard, which serendipitously means “keeper of wealth”—a title he would grow into with remarkable grace. From the age of six, Eduard and his siblings were sent to a boarding school, a stark contrast to the freedom of the tundra. Yet, his heart never strayed far from his reindeer, particularly his beloved avka (tame reindeer), who was his constant companion during childhood visits home. It was during these formative years that Eduard first witnessed the suffering of limping, emaciated reindeer left behind during migrations. The sight planted a seed in his young mind: he would become their healer.

From Soldier to Savior

Eduard’s path to becoming a zootechnician was not without peril. After working as a shepherd’s apprentice, he served in the army, where a near-fatal accident during field exercises left him with lasting hearing damage. Miraculously surviving a concussion from an undetonated charge, he emerged with a renewed determination to pursue his calling. His studies at the Salekhard Zoo-Veterinary College were a revelation. While he excelled in reindeer husbandry, traditional team sports like volleyball proved less appealing. Ever resourceful, Eduard struck a deal with his physical education teacher: he would supply partridges caught in snares in exchange for skipping volleyball. The arrangement earned him top marks and laughter from his peers, but it also showcased his deep connection to the land and its resources.

A Lifetime of Service

Armed with his diploma, Eduard returned to Muzhi and joined his parents’ brigade. For over 35 years, he battled epidemics, treated hoof diseases, and vaccinated herds against anthrax and gadflies. His work was grueling—sometimes involving the treatment of hundreds of reindeer at once—but his vigilance saved countless animals from suffering.

The 1990s brought unprecedented challenges. Economic collapse forced reindeer herders to barter army greatcoats, arctic fox skins, and vouchers for survival. Predators like bears stalked the herds, and encounters were frequent. One harrowing incident involved a bear feasting on Eduard’s avka before charging at him. Only the quick intervention of his dog saved his life, leaving behind a flattened pot and a story he would recount for years.

A Legacy of Love and Resilience

Eduard’s family is a testament to his enduring spirit. His wife, Marina, embraced the nomadic life alongside him, and their sons carved their own paths: Ivan preserves Khanty culture through language projects, while Vyacheslav followed in his father’s footsteps as a zootechnician and veterinarian. Their adopted daughter, Anna, is now pursuing her education, a symbol of the family’s commitment to nurturing the next generation. Today, the brigade Eduard once served has dwindled to a thousand reindeer, a shadow of its former size. The challenges of attracting young people to the profession weigh heavily on him, but his pride in his family’s contributions shines through. Though hearing loss has forced him into retirement, his heart remains in the tundra. His granddaughters eagerly await his stories and sled rides, while his grandson Roman, believed to embody the spirit of Eduard’s late father, may one day continue the legacy.

The Last of His Kind?

Eduard Sandrin’s story is more than a chronicle of one man’s life—it is a window into a vanishing world. As modernization encroaches on traditional reindeer herding, figures like Eduard remind us of the resilience, wisdom, and love required to steward both animals and culture. His life begs the question: Who will take up the mantle when the last of the old guardians are gone?

For now, Eduard remains a beacon, a keeper of wealth in every sense of the word. And though the tundra may grow quieter without his presence, the echoes of his legacy will endure.(JNG)

Photo credits: Irina Molchanova