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Monday, June 6, 2016

Meeting new fawns

From mid-May through June is delivery season of deer.  
I went out to meet newly born fawn at Roku-en (Deer Shelter) in Nara Park. 
The place is within the grove of the Kasuga Grand Shrine.



At this den, a part of Roku-en, some of pregnant deer, mothers and fawns 
are open to the public throughout June from 11:00 to 14:00.

The gate under the stand leads to more spacious Roku-en including Fawn Shelter.

Pregnant deer, mothers, and fawns are sheltered temporarily at the Fawn Shelter 
to avoid troubles between people and deer.  
Mother deer can become quite aggressive to protect their babies and could attack people 
while if their babies are touched by people, mothers tend to neglect or reject babies due to human scent.  
(Injured deer and deer with poor health are also sheltered at the Roku-en. 
When they recover, they go back to Nara Park.)


About 200 does will give birth this season.


A newly born fawn stands on its own in 15 minutes to an hour after birth 
and suckles mother’s milk for the first time. 
Mothers feed babies a few times a day. 
Generally mothers can recognize their babies by scent and voice but babies hardly can.




Right after birth, fawns spend their most of their time hiding themselves in the bushes 
or behind objects to avoid being seen by predators. 
In the den, several blocks are placed for them to hide themselves. 
The fawns come out a few times of a day to drink their mother’s milk. 

This block is so packed.  Whose mother are you?
When the baby below came to rest here, the place was in the shade, but not now.  
Some mothers put their babies into the block right after giving birth 
but his/her mother doesn't seem to have done so.  

Isn't it hot there?
Stand up and walk several steps, and you'll be in the shade.




This baby's hiding place is here.


Mothers and fawns will be released to Nara Park in July, from when babies’ wild life start. 
In November last year, I found this fawn seemingly hiding in the bush.



Deer in Nara Park are wild animals.
People have responsibility for the warning to avoid troubles.



135 traffic accidents of deer in 2014 is alarming.
Most of the reasons is being chased by people or dogs or jumping into the road 
when deer see people with food on the other roadside.
I feel bitter when people are forgetting dogs are natural enemies to deer.

I'm so grateful to all the staffs of Shika Aigo Kyokai (Foundation for the Protection of Deer in Nara), 
who spare no efforts for the coexistence of people and deer.


On my way back from the den, I met a herd of deer devouring fresh leaves from the cut branches. 

Deer eat grass, leaves, nuts, flower petals, and the likes.
 You can buy and give them Deer crackers as their snacks.
Deer crackers are healthy food made of rice bran.
Don't give them something spicy, sweet, or fatty, please.




Rainy season set in the other day.
The floral symbols of Japanese rainy season, hydrangeas and irises,
are already in bloom much earlier than usual.
Viewing these flowers or meeting adorable fawns would be one of the refreshing pastime
during the rainy season.

See you!

Linked to Through My Lens
and
Our World Tuesday

40 comments:

  1. How sweet the little ones are! It would be unusual for so many deer to gather and find protection in one park in my world. In fact, some people that live in the countryside get annoyed that the deer eat from their gardens and trees. It seems the deer in Japan, however, are loved unconditionally by almost everyone and have few predators other than vehicles and traffic. How nurturing that despite relatively safe circumstances, mothers guide the newly born into hiding. I think it is much like a baby that feels safer bundled in a blanket.

    About the dogs: There are many places for pets to roam yet people still ignore the “no dogs allowed” signs to give wildlife a few select places where they can feel safe.

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  2. 先週土曜日に、始めて行きました。この様に奈良の鹿は保護されて、公園にデビューするのですね。今更ながら感心しました。洋子さん、英語で詳しく説明されてて読者の方はよく分かると思います。鹿は犬を怖がるそうですね。Roku-enの外で犬の鳴き声がした時は、鹿達は一斉に走り出し何事が起ったのかと一瞬驚きました。では又ね。

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  3. Terrific shots of these beautiful animals!

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  4. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous!!! Thank you so much for sharing. I love your blog! :)

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  5. Dear Yoko - I always find it interesting that so many newborn baby animals have such a strong inbuilt instinct to survive in both their surroundings and from predators.
    You have captured some lovely images of both the fawns and their mothers. The nursery looks a very happy and relaxed place for them all to mature until they are released into Nara Park during July.

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  6. Another fantastic set of photographs, this time of fauna rather than flora. Deer seem to be so sweet, but that's because we anthropomorphize them and forget that no matter how sweet they look, they remain, as you say, wild animals and should be treated as such. Unfortunately, people don't understand the needs of deer or care about those needs and thus the animals get injured or killed. I love this sanctuary where does can carry their young and give birth in relatively safe surroundings.

    Also I want to complement you again on the quality of your photos. I sometimes felt that I could reach out and touch the rather wiry hair (fur) of the deer. It is a wonderfully well-done post and I appreciated it greatly.

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  7. Beautiful photos of the dear. I knew they had a white bottom but I never knew it was in a heart shape ;-)

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  8. What a fairytale place where deer and people live in harmony! Gorgeous shots.

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  9. Wonderful photos! Cute little ones:)

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  10. A big and lovely family !!!
    Have a nice day !
    Anna

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  11. Vad bra att det finns så bra platser de kan vara och föda på då måste nog fler överleva de är ju så små och oskyddade. Söta är de och så många på en gång vad roligt att kunna gå dit och se allt detta. Njuter av de söta små krabaterna
    Ha en fin vecka i solen
    Kram Meta

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  12. such wonderful images of the deer and the fawns! yes, people love to try and have an intimate relationship with wildlife, for the most part not a good idea. you have reminded me that our mother deer are most likely pregnant too. I will look and think of you.

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  13. I've seen lots of deer in my life, but never that many at one time, and all pregnant females. The fawns are just adorable, aren't they? We don't see many deer in summer, but in the winter, some of them come to eat the ornamental crabapples on our tree. Frozen food...doesn't appeal to me, but they love it. They stand on their hind legs to reach the fruit farther up.
    Kay

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  14. They are so cute! We have several little ones on our property. You have to be careful walking around, you never know where mama might decide to hide her baby for the day! Have a wonder-filled week!

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  15. This is so cute. I didn't know the public was able to observe the moms and babies from so close. I am very excited about deer. Two weekends ago we visited Sequoia National Park and we observed deer every day we visited the park (4 days).

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  16. Wow! I absolutely adore these adorable baby fawns. How lovely you could capture them so wonderfully close and show them to us playing around in their natural habitat. They are such a joy to the tourists and the locals alike. I remember having a beautiful time feeding and playing with them during my visit in Nara. While they offer such profound happiness, it is very sad to hear about the alarming number of accidents that happen. I wish more care is taken for their protection and shelter.

    Just a couple of days and rainy season will soon set in, in Mumbai too. Hope you are enjoying yours dear Yoko. Greetings ~

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  17. This post tops the charts for cuteness, Yoko! The little ones "hiding" to protect themselves are so cute. You do wonder how the mamas know which fawn belongs to them. What a fun place to visit with your camera! My Grandchildren would love seeing these Nara deer.

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  18. Son unas hermosas fotos que contagian la ternura. Muchas gracias. Besetes.

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  19. Beautiful pictures! I would like to see the deer in person, Sandra xx

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  20. Absolutely stunning photography Yoko, I can't wait for another.

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  21. こんばんは。この鹿、野生の鹿だそうですね。一時は駆除されていなくなる恐れがあったそうですね。今度、輪廻で鹿に生まれるなら、奈良公園が良いです。

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  22. こんばんは。この鹿、野生の鹿だそうですね。一時は駆除されていなくなる恐れがあったそうですね。今度、輪廻で鹿に生まれるなら、奈良公園が良いです。

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  23. With precious images as these, it does not surprise that the deer form a part indispensably of Nara's image. It must be wonderful to have the opportunity to enjoy his presence in the city. Equally interesting it has to be learn to coexist with them, to respect his space and not to exceed the limits that allow one suitable balance between them and the persons. Undoubtedly the persons who contribute his collaboration in order that this happens in a best possible way develop a great labor

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  24. Hello Yoko....your photos are beautiful! The adults coats look so healthy and glossy, and the fawns are cute and innocent. Happy and healthy Summer to all of them!

    Have a lovely week,
    Ruby

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  25. What wonderful photos. The fawns are so sweet. It is quite something to see so many in one place.

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  26. The deer is an animal that I like. How are graceful and delicate.
    The images are beautiful. Kisses and great weekend.

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  27. How lovely to get such an insight into the breeding of the fawns. As they are wild animals, I had somehow thought that they would just give birth somewhere by themselves. But of course they wouldn't have been left alone by people, and wouldn't have looked after the babies properly. It is so interesting to me to see the park in its early summer colours.

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  28. 洋子さん。私のブログへのコメントありがとうございます。こちらこそご無沙汰しております。
    奈良公園の鹿さんは皆健康状態が良いですね。ちゃんと管理されて人間との共生が図られているからだと思います。宮島の鹿さんたちの毛並みがお世辞にも良いとは言えなかったし、観光客の地図をムシャムシャ食べる輩が多いのも気になりました。御写真の鹿さん達は凄い幸せそうだし健康そうですね〜。見ていてとても微笑ましいです。アクシデントに見舞われず、人間とうまく共生しながら天寿を全うして貰いたいです。

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  29. Thank you very much for your visit and left a comment.
    Your pictures are great and show the wonderful animals.
    On my meadow I am watching deer and her two small children.
    This is a very beautiful view.
    Greetings from Poland.
    Lucja

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  30. I really like these pictures of the deer and the fawns. There are so many of them in Nara Park! I was enjoying coffee with a friend at her house last week, and a mother deer and a tiny fawn came out of the bushes into the garden. We sat very still and quiet, and enjoyed the sight of such beautiful wild creatures. Sadly, my camera was inside the house, so no pictures!!

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  31. A post full of tenderness and Yoko life. these deer are in paradise. The photos are beautiful. Near here we have the National Park Monfragüe. Where they live in freedom.
    Again by aquí.He I have been unemployed for a medical problem, and all well and running again.
    Buen viernes.
    Besos.

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  32. Wonderful photos of these beautiful animals! The fawns are adorable.

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  33. Dear Yoko,
    Thanks a million for adorable pictures and story. Cutest little creatures! I love your tips for a rainy season. What can be more enjoyable? Probably, sitting by the pond in that traditional garden with a Tea House (can't recall the name), sipping brown rice tea, reading something inspirational. It is always a relief and a welcome break to visit your blog. I might be repeating myself, but that's true. Somehow I come here when I have my hands full.
    Right now we are back home after the refurbishment which lasted about a fortnight. The house looks renovated but there's a real lot to do.
    Take care and enjoy full moon)))
    Yours,
    most devoted reader and friend,
    Irina

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  34. These photos are absolutely stunning and and so adorable! The fawns are just lovely. Nara Park is on my list of places I must visit at some point, it just looks so lovely. - Tasha

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  35. Thank you for the lovely comments on my last post Yoko - enjoy the rest of the first day of summer! :D - Tasha

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  36. 鹿の親子が、とても可愛らしいです。 瞳から愛情があふれているような気がします。

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  37. Those little fawns are so charming. I had not seen blocks for them to hide, but then I have not seen a park like yours with so many fawns and deer. Your photos are a delight. I really enjoyed your post.

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