Deer at West Midlands Safari Park

I'm not sure of the exact species...

This is a Male Sika Deer (Cervus nippon nippon) from KYUSHU ISLAND JAPAN

I was going to identify this photo ages ago, but I left it so late zoogiraffe has beaten me to it.

yup, deffently sika deer

sorry but its an Axis deer or Chital stag (axis axis)

In a way I think its a shame they allow handfeeding of the hoofed animals as many of them come up and stick their heads through the car window which, while it probabbly delights some visitors, rather detracts from the 'wild' visitor experience. I did wonder if the 'saliva factor' could be something of a health hazard too as far as transmitting diseases etc to people.

I can't imagine this ever being encouraged, or even allowed at other places with similar drive through areas like Whipsnade, Port Lympne etc.

They do the same at Longleat, where they provide wipes to use afterwards. Of course, it's unlikely every visitor uses them.

I'm sure a lot of children don't have their hands carefully wiped. Just as likely to stick their fingers in their mouth. Lovely....