THE PUBLIC HAS been reminded to “steer clear of wild deer” in Dublin’s Phoenix Park this Christmas.
The Phoenix Park is home to a herd of wild deer and at this time of year they can be seen roaming the Park.
Park Superintendent Paul McDonnell acknowledged that it is “very understandable that people of all ages want to get close to the wild deer, especially at Christmas”.
To provide a safe alternative for families, the Phoenix Park has set up special post boxes for children to drop off their letters to Santa.
These post boxes are located at the Papal Cross Car Park and the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre Car Park.
The Office for Public Works has asked that families with young children use these post boxes as a “way to show their concern for the well-being of the wild deer”.
The Christmas post boxes in the Phoenix Park Naoise Culhane
Naoise Culhane
McDonnell noted that the wild deer “pose a significant threat of injury, especially to young people given their size and potentially erratic behaviour if approached”.
He reminded visitors to avoid feeding the deer and to “observe their natural behaviours from a respectful distance of at least 50 metres”.
“Keep a safe distance from the deer and don’t feed them this Christmas,” said McDonnell.
“Let’s ensure a safe and happy Christmas season for both visitors and wildlife in Phoenix Park.”
Meanwhile, McDonnell said that Santa himself has asked the public to look at the deer from afar to “keep both the deer and yourself safe”.
He passed on a message from Santa that is intended for all the boys and girls, but also their parents.
“Ho ho ho! I have a very special request this year. You see, while my reindeer at the North Pole love the attention, their cousins in the Phoenix Park are a little shy,” read Santa’s letter.
“The best gift you can give them is your space. Please keep at least 50 metres away.”
