Parents have been criticised for allowing their children to stroke wild deer in a south London park, with officials warning that such behaviour could lead to a fatal incident. Recent footage shows children and adults crowding deer at Richmond Park, prompting a strong warning from the Royal Parks.
Royal Parks Issues Urgent Warning
Paul Richards, Richmond Park Manager, has told visitors to stay at least 50 metres away from the 'wild, powerful animals', who can be 'quick to react'. Richards said: 'We are shocked and extremely concerned by footage shared on social media showing a group of adults and young children crowding around deer in Richmond Park, with children seen touching and stroking the animals. This is deeply irresponsible and can create a serious risk of a tragic accident resulting in life-changing injuries or, in the worst case, a fatal incident.'
Richards added: 'Although they may appear calm, they can react suddenly and aggressively if they feel threatened. Stags can weigh more than 25 stone and run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, making them highly dangerous if visitors get too close.' He emphasised that visitors should never approach the red and fallow deer for photos or selfies, and should keep themselves safe by giving the deer the space they need.
Concerns From Local Groups
The Friends of Richmond Park said in a statement: 'The Friends of Richmond Park is saddened to learn of a dangerous incident involving members of the public getting far too close to the Park’s deer over the weekend.' Photographer Amanda Boardman, who shared the video on X, wrote: 'I’ve never seen it this bad!' She also called for the Park police to be brought back, a unit which was dissolved in 2025 due to a £260million hole in the Met Police budget.
In 2025, Richmond Council Leader Gareth Roberts labelled the disbanding of the police force a 'huge mistake'. He told the Local Democracy Service: 'The Royal Parks Police provide a vital service, ensuring our parks remain safe and well-managed. Their work includes enforcing park regulations and responding to incidents quickly and effectively. Losing this specialist team places an additional burden on already overstretched local policing resources and risks leaving our parks unprotected.'
Deer Birthing Season Adds Risk
The Royal Parks website further warns that from May 1 to July 31, it is deer birthing season, which can make deer behaviour unpredictable. Visitors are urged to remain vigilant and maintain a safe distance at all times to avoid accidents.
