Video footage published over the weekend shows adults encouraging children to stroke the antlers of grazing stags and their young in Richmond Park, prompting a strongly-worded warning from the Royal Parks that the behaviour could lead to a tragic or even fatal accident.
The Royal Parks said it was "shocked" and "extremely concerned" by the footage, describing the actions as "deeply irresponsible" and "highly dangerous". A spokesperson 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."
“Visitors encouraged children to stroke deer antlers in Richmond Park, prompting warnings of a potential fatal incident.”
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, making them powerful enough to cause serious injuries. Visitors are told to maintain at least a 50-metre distance from the deer at all times, with extra caution during birthing season (May to July) when mothers protect their fawns, and rutting season (September to November) when stags become highly aggressive.
"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 read. "Visitors should always stay at least 50 metres away – or further if the deer are moving – and never approach them for photographs or selfies."
Despite repeated warnings, incidents of people flouting the rules have become a serious issue in recent years, with locals calling for the return of the Parks Police. The Metropolitan Police's dedicated Royal Parks Police unit was officially disbanded in October 2025 to help address a £260 million funding shortfall. Similar problems have been reported in nearby Bushy Park, where visitors have touched resting deer, causing stags to charge at them in defence.
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 social media user added: "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."
The Royal Parks reiterated that the deer are "one of the park's most iconic and valued features" but urged visitors to keep themselves and their families safe by giving the animals the space they need.