AnimalZone: Oh Deer, Sad News for Wildlife in Nara Park, Season 12, Episode 11

In this episode, AnimalZone delves into the unfolding controversy surrounding Nara Park, a centuries-old tourist destination in Japan. Although Nara’s iconic sika deer are considered sacred animals with National Treasure status, troubling realities beneath the surface are casting a shadow over their public image. With over a half-million visitors each year, tourists flock to the park to feed the deer rice bran crackers, called shika senbei, and engage in playful exchanges where the deer bow to receive treats.


However, as we uncover in this episode, the magic of Nara Park may not be as idyllic as it appears. We visit Rokuen, a facility run by the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation, often dubbed “deer jail,” where deer that stray beyond the park’s borders are held indefinitely. Tragically, these captured animals are never released back into the wild. Outside the park’s protection zone, deer encounter another grim fate: they risk being killed by farmers to prevent crop damage. Official policies even allow for the annual culling of up to 180 deer, bringing to light the disconnect between their sacred status and harsh management practices.


Our conversation with Professor Tojo, a historian specializing in Nara Park, highlights the complexity of the situation. He reflects on childhood memories of being frightened by aggressive deer, a natural behavior now subdued through an annual antler-cutting ceremony known as Shika no Tsunokiri. Although this 350-year-old tradition is intended to prevent injury to both tourists and the animals, some visitors view it as exploitative—akin to declawing cats.


Incorporating insights from recent headlines, we discuss the fallout from a whistleblower's revelations in 2023. Reports emerged of overcrowding and malnourishment within Rokuen, with photos showing emaciated deer. The Nara government responded by shrinking the buffer zone, making more deer subject to culling in 2024, adding to the growing discontent among animal lovers.


Animal welfare concerns extend beyond captivity. In recent years, plastic waste left by visitors has caused the death of several deer, and the overfeeding of crackers has led to health issues, including severe diarrhea among the animals. This dichotomy between well-fed, free-roaming deer and starving ones behind fences mirrors the disparities found in human society, leaving some visitors unsettled.


At AnimalZone, we advocate for responsible and respectful interactions with wildlife, emphasizing that wildlife should not be used for entertainment or profit. Nara Park’s juxtaposition of public spectacle and hidden suffering raises important ethical questions about tourism’s impact on animal welfare. Should you visit Nara Park? That’s a decision only you can make—armed with both the enchantment and the uncomfortable truths.