There have been reports of a conservation group mistreating “Nara’s deer,” which are also designated as natural treasures of the country, and on the 3rd day, Nara City launched an inspection.
Ancestors of these deer are considered “divine deer (shinroku),” messengers of the gods. The “Nara’s deer” inhabiting the Nara Park area are designated as natural treasures of the country. They have blended into human living areas, but as a result, there have been cases such as car accidents and harm to humans.
The way “Nara’s deer” are protected varies by area. Areas A and B, centered around Nara Park, are designated as protected areas, and deer that are injured or give birth receive extensive protection. However, in distant areas C and D, the treatment of some deer is different.
The “Nara’s Deer Conservation Society” protects the deer within Nara Park. Within this, there is a special enclosure mainly in area C, where deer that have caused damage to crops and such are housed. Males and females are separated and spend their entire lives here.
Maruko Rie, a veterinarian for the society, reported to Nara City that the deer in the special enclosure were being mistreated.
Maruko Veterinarian: “As of July 19th, I randomly selected 25 out of approximately 110 deer and palpated around the lumbar area. Eight of them were in very thin condition. I believe both the quantity and quality of the food they are given are insufficient. The protein content in the food is also completely different from others, so I think that may be a significant factor.”
Photos submitted by Maruko show deer with protruding bones and some with hair loss. The Conservation Society alleges that they have subjected over 70% of the male deer to starvation and have caused the deaths of over 50 deer every year for at least 5 years.
Maruko Veterinarian: “Strong males drive away weaker males and eat the better parts. Because of such behavior, it’s not just about the food but also how it’s provided, and the resting places are cramped, for example. They won’t listen to this side at all. Such conditions have continued for many years, and I thought it wouldn’t improve from within, so I reported it.”
The Conservation Society firmly denies these allegations.
Nara Deer Conservation Society, Secretary-General Yamazaki Nobuyuki: “Regarding the allegations of mistreatment (Q: How do you feel about it), we absolutely deny it. We feed them properly every day, carefully observe the deer, and if there are any small deer, the staff catches and moves them to another enclosure where they can be given special food. I think those photos were taken in July, and among the over 100 deer, there are probably around 10% that were originally weak. Some deer inevitably have a limited lifespan.”
Additionally, it is said that the deer in the special enclosure are not accustomed to being kept in captivity.
Yamazaki Secretary-General: “Young deer used to roam wild mountains and fields, so when they are placed in such an enclosure with over 100 deer, stress levels increase significantly, and the sad fact is that they may die.”
Officials from the city who conducted the inspection said…
Inaba Yoshinori, Chief of the Health and Hygiene Section of the Public Health Office: “Based on the veterinarian’s opinion, we did not find any individuals that were extremely emaciated for three days. We have been checking the quantity of food, and I don’t think they are being neglected.”
The city plans to announce the results of the investigation as early as this month.
