City steps in to help after Nagoya Castle deer population drops from 56 to 2

This central Japan city is preparing to take action to prevent the "extinction" of deer that roam freely in the inner moat of Nagoya Castle, after their numbers dropped from a peak of 56 to just two.

According to the Nagoya Municipal Government, deer at Nagoya Castle were first introduced in 1952, after the castle's main keep and palace were destroyed in the 1945 bombing of Nagoya. Hoping to provide enjoyment for visitors, the municipal government released three Yaku deer it received from Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in the city's Chikusa Ward. Through natural reproduction, the herd grew to 56 by 1977.

After that, the Nagoya Castle deer population gradually declined due to attacks by stray dogs and disease-related deaths. In 1991, three Sika deer were gifted to the castle by Wakayama Castle Park Zoo in Wakayama Prefecture. The two remaining deer are believed to be descendants of those deer. The two deer are likely a mother and daughter, respectively named Momiji-chan and Yamamura-chan. In human age equivalents, they are apparently about 60 and 40 years old.

At a June 23 regular city council meeting, Liberal Democratic Party assemblyman Masahito Asai proposed acquiring a male deer from the Adventure World zoo and amusement park in Wakayama Prefecture.

Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa stated, "Deer at Nagoya Castle are extremely rare compared to other castles as they roam freely in the inner moat, and the animals are cherished by many visitors. We want to avoid a situation where there are no more deer." He announced a plan to send city officials in charge of the matter to Adventure World.

Source: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250624/p2a/00m/0li/010000c?dicbo=v2-40daZMb

Comprehension

Where do the deer roam freely in Nagoya Castle?
When were the first deer introduced to the castle?
What caused the decline in the deer population?
How many deer are left today, and what are their names?
What is the age of the remaining deer in human years?
Who proposed bringing a new male deer to the castle?
Why does the mayor want to bring in another deer?
What is the next step in the city’s plan to help the deer?

Discussion

Do you think it’s important to protect animals like the Nagoya Castle deer? Why or why not?
How would you feel if an animal you liked was close to disappearing?
What are some reasons animals in cities may become extinct?
Have you visited a zoo or animal park? What animals did you like?
What can cities do to take care of animals living in public places?
Do you think animals should live freely in places like castles or parks?
Should governments spend money to protect animals in tourist areas?
What endangered animals do you know about in your country?
How can children and families help care for local wildlife?
What do you think about bringing in a new deer from another place? Is it a good idea?

Vocabulary

Extinction – the complete disappearance of a species or group
Moat – a deep, wide ditch around a castle, often filled with water
Municipal – related to a city or town government
Reproduction – the process of animals having babies
Stray – an animal that has no home or owner
Prefecture – a region or area in Japan similar to a province
Assemblyman – a member of a government council or meeting
Cherished – greatly loved or valued