The Royal Parks has condemned footage showing adults encouraging children to stroke deer in Richmond Park, warning the behaviour is 'deeply irresponsible' and could lead to a fatal accident.
Footage Shows Dangerous Interactions
Video published on social media over the weekend appears to show adults encouraging children to stroke the antlers of grazing stags and their young. The Royal Parks said it was 'shocked' and 'extremely concerned' by the footage.
A spokesperson for the Royal Parks said: 'This deeply irresponsible and highly dangerous behaviour will cause the deer stress and create a serious risk of a tragic accident resulting in life-changing injuries or, in the worst case, a fatal incident.'
Deer Are Wild and Unpredictable
Park Manager Paul Richards stressed that while the red and fallow deer may appear calm, they are wild and unpredictable. Stags can weigh over 25 stone (160kg) and reach speeds of up to 30mph, capable of causing serious injuries.
Visitors are told to maintain at least a 50-metre distance from the deer at all times. Extra caution is needed during birthing season (May to July) when mothers are protective of fawns, and rutting season (September to November) when stags are aggressive.
Urgent Appeal to Parents
'We urge parents and carers to keep children well away from the deer at all times and never allow them to approach or interact with the animals,' the statement reads. 'Visitors should always stay at least 50 metres away - or further if the deer are moving - and never approach them for photographs or selfies.'
The Royal Parks added: 'The deer are one of the park's most iconic and valued features. But please - keep yourself, your families, and others safe, by giving deer the space they need.'
Rising Incidents and Calls for Police
Despite warnings, incidents of people flouting the rules have become a serious issue in recent years, with locals calling for the Parks Police to be reinstated. The Metropolitan Police's dedicated Royal Parks Police unit was disbanded in October 2025 to help address a £260 million funding shortfall.
Similar issues have been reported in Bushy Park, where visitors have touched resting deer, causing stags to charge. Photographer Amanda Boardman, who published the footage, said: 'We need our park police back it shouldn't fall on the park to have to raise additional funds to police this. They are not the police.'
One person responded: 'This grinds my gears. I had to verbally tell two people to move away from the deer a few weeks ago. We need more park rangers in Richmond. They need to drum home to the public that you are meant to stay at least 50 meters away from them.'
