The Royal Parks has issued a stark warning after footage emerged of children and adults crowding and petting deer in Richmond Park, south London. Park manager Paul Richards described the behaviour as deeply irresponsible, warning that the wild, powerful animals can react suddenly and cause life-changing injuries or even a fatal incident.
Footage shows dangerous close encounters
Recent video shared on social media by photographer Amanda Boardman shows groups of visitors, including young children, touching and stroking deer. Boardman wrote: 'I've never seen it this bad!' and called for the return of the Park police unit, which was disbanded in 2025 due to a £260 million hole in the Metropolitan Police budget.
Manager urges 50-metre distance
Paul Richards stated: '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.' He emphasised that stags can weigh more than 25 stone and run at up to 30 miles per hour, making them highly dangerous if approached.
Royal Parks and Friends react
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.' The Royal Parks website also notes that from May 1 to July 31 is deer birthing season, which can make behaviour unpredictable.
Disbanded police unit criticised
Richmond Council Leader Gareth Roberts previously labelled the disbanding of the Royal Parks Police a 'huge mistake', telling 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.'
