{"id":578,"date":"2025-10-16T21:35:57","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T19:35:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/?p=578"},"modified":"2025-10-22T10:50:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T08:50:02","slug":"the-surprising-other-side-of-japan-honor-for-sika-deer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/the-surprising-other-side-of-japan-honor-for-sika-deer\/","title":{"rendered":"The surprising other side of Japan \u2013 honor for sika deer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"contrast-of-two-worlds\">Contrast of Two Worlds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/my-experience-from-a-holiday-in-japan-a-critical-perspective-on-animal-rights-and-vegan-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">my previous article about Japan<\/a>, I wrote about the problematic aspects of this country, especially about <a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/my-experience-from-a-holiday-in-japan-a-critical-perspective-on-animal-rights-and-vegan-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">animal cafes on Takeshita Street<\/a>. Animals here live in an artificial and often stressful environment for the amusement of tourists. But Japan also has its second, surprisingly beautiful side. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-suki.com\/en\/visit\/places\/nara-deer-park\">Nara Park<\/a>, I discovered something completely different \u2013 a place where people treat animals with respect, love, and deep reverence that reaches back more than 1300 years in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"history-of-sacred-deer-and-nara-park\">History of the Sacred Deer and Nara Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The story of the sika deer in Nara begins in 768 when the <a href=\"https:\/\/narapark.org\/deer\/\">Kasuga Taisha Shrine<\/a> was founded. According to Shinto legend, the thunder god Takemikazuchi traveled from Ibaraki Prefecture to Mount Mikasa in Nara \u2013 riding on the back of a <strong>white sacred deer<\/strong>. From then on, deer in this area began to be regarded as <strong>messengers of the gods<\/strong> (kami) who watch over the city and its inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This reverence was not merely symbolic. Until 1637, <strong>killing a deer was punishable by death<\/strong>. Historical records from the Kamakura period (1185\u20131333) even document the execution of a person who killed a deer. This strict protection ensured the deer in Nara survived centuries while they were nearly wiped out elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After World War II, the deer were officially designated as <strong>national natural monuments<\/strong> and remain protected today. A genetic study in 2023 confirmed that deer in Nara Park are genetically unique \u2013 their lineage split from other populations about 1400 years ago, which corresponds to the founding of Kasuga Taisha Shrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sacred Sika Deer of Nara Park: Japan&#039;s Living Spiritual Heritage\" width=\"563\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zaBy-nb4RXg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-are-deer-considered-sacred\">Why Are Deer Considered Sacred?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan, sika deer are seen as <strong>mediators between mortals and the kami<\/strong> \u2013 divine spirits. They are not gods in the Western sense but sacred beings possessing spiritual power and significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The legend says that the god Takemikazuchi carried a scroll in his mouth and announced to people that deer would from then on <strong>carry messages about them to the gods<\/strong>. This belief has endured for over a millennium and shapes the relationship between people and deer to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, about <strong>1200 to 1500 deer<\/strong> freely live in Nara Park. They are known to <strong>&#8220;bow&#8221; to visitors<\/strong> before receiving special rice crackers (shika senbei). This behavior is learned\u2014they know that bowing likely brings a reward. Research from 2023 showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, when tourists decreased, deer bowed less often, confirming this behavior is learned and related to human interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo1-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo1-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo1-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo1-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo1-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo1-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo4-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo4-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo4-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo4-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo4-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo4-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo3-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo3-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo3-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo3-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo3-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo3-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-container-content-69bc4bdf\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo2-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-568\" srcset=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo2-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo2-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo2-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo2-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/faunastika.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nara-photo2-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"principles-of-shintoism-path-of-the-gods\">Principles of Shintoism \u2013 Path of the Gods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Shintoism, whose name literally means <strong>&#8220;path of the gods&#8221;<\/strong>, is the oldest religion in Japan. Unlike many world religions, it has no founder, central authority, or a single sacred book. It developed organically from animistic beliefs among the Japanese people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key principles of Shintoism include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kami<\/strong> \u2013 divine spirits inhabiting natural phenomena, places, ancestors, and historical figures. It&#8217;s estimated that a single grain of rice may contain up to seven kami.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purity<\/strong> \u2013 physical and spiritual cleanliness is fundamental to Shinto practice. Ritual washing is part of everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Harmony<\/strong> (wa) \u2013 exists in all things and must be maintained. Disruption of harmony causes impurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Respect for nature<\/strong> \u2013 Shintoism teaches that nature is inhabited by kami and should be revered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Family values<\/strong> \u2013 respect for family and ancestors is one of the four affirmations of Shintoism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Magokoro<\/strong> (sincere heart) \u2013 being honest, truthful, and striving daily to do one\u2019s best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fascinating-shinto-rituals\">Fascinating Shinto Rituals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>During my trip to Japan, I visited many Shinto shrines and was fascinated by rituals completely unknown to Europeans. Here are some of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Entrance to the Sacred Space<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every Shinto shrine has a <strong>torii gate<\/strong> \u2013 a symbolic passage between the secular world and the sacred space. Tradition says that one should bow once before the gate and avoid walking exactly through the center, instead passing just to the left or right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purification Ritual at Temizuya<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before entering the shrine, visitors purify themselves at the <strong>temizuya<\/strong> \u2013 a water basin. The ritual has precise steps: scoop water with the right hand and pour it over the left hand, then scoop water with the left hand and pour it over the right, finally scoop water into the left palm and rinse the mouth (the ladle never touches the lips).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prayer Ritual<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At the altar, a precise ritual is performed: throw a coin into the donation box, ring the bell to greet the deity, <strong>bow twice<\/strong>, <strong>clap twice<\/strong> (express joy and respect towards the deity), pray with hands joined, and finally <strong>bow once<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kasuga Taisha and Mant\u014dr\u014d Ceremony<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kasuga Taisha is the most famous shrine in Nara, dedicated to the deities protecting the city. The shrine is known for its <strong>3000 lanterns<\/strong> \u2013 hundreds of bronze lanterns hang inside buildings and stone lanterns line the paths nearly a kilometer long. Twice a year, in February and August, all lanterns are lit simultaneously during the <strong>mant\u014dr\u014d ceremony<\/strong>, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of flickering flames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Rituals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I also visited <strong>Haraedo Shrine<\/strong>, dedicated to the cleansing goddess Seoritsuhime-no-Kami. In summer, a ceremony takes place where visitors pass through a large grass ring (chinowa), symbolically purifying all who pass through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"modern-deer-protection-tradition-continues\">Modern Deer Protection \u2013 Tradition Continues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in modern times, the Japanese care for deer with admirable respect and precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shika no Tsunokiri \u2013 Antler Trimming Ceremony<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every October, the <strong>350-year-old antler trimming ceremony<\/strong> (Shika no Tsunokiri) takes place in Nara. This ritual, started in 1672, protects people and other deer from injuries during the autumn mating season when males become more aggressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ceremony is held in a special arena called Rokuen. Men known as <strong>seko<\/strong> (deer herders) catch three to four male deer by their antlers with lassos, hold them, and a Shinto priest gives them water to calm down. Then the antlers are trimmed, and the deer are released back into the park. At the end, the antlers are offered as a gift to the deity of Kasuga Taisha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many worry if this ritual harms the deer, but the antler trimming <strong>is not painful<\/strong> \u2013 antlers regrow every year. The ceremony actually protects both the deer and people from injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stricter Protection Laws<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In April 2025, stricter regulations were adopted for deer protection in Nara Park. These changes were prompted after a video surfaced in July 2024 showing people kicking and hitting deer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the Cultural Properties Protection Act, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mainichi.jp\/english\/articles\/20240726\/p2a\/00m\/0na\/028000c\">harming deer can lead to imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 1 million yen<\/a><\/strong> (approximately $6500). For foreigners, violations can also mean deportation and a ban on future entry into the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new regulations now also include acts that may cause external injury to deer or force them into such harmful actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Genetic Uniqueness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A recent scientific study from 2023 revealed that the deer in Nara Park are <strong>genetically unique<\/strong> due to over a thousand years of protection. While 18 mitochondrial DNA genotypes were identified on the Kii Peninsula, only one unique genotype (S4) was found in Nara Park deer, which does not occur elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This genetic divergence occurred around 1400 years ago, corresponding to the year 768 when Kasuga Taisha Shrine was built. The results confirm that the Japanese people have protected the deer in this area for more than a millennium as messengers of the gods, enabling the population to be maintained from generation to generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"personal-experience-two-worlds-one-country\">Personal Experience \u2013 Two Worlds of One Country<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Standing in Nara Park, watching sika deer roam freely among people, bow to visitors, and rest peacefully near ancient shrines, I couldn\u2019t help but recall the stark contrast with my experience on Takeshita Street in Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There, I saw <a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/my-experience-from-a-holiday-in-japan-a-critical-perspective-on-animal-rights-and-vegan-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">animal cafes<\/a>, where pigs or cats live in cramped, noisy, and stressful conditions in the middle of a bustling shopping street, serving only as tourist attractions. In Nara, however, I saw the opposite \u2013 animals that are worshiped, protected by law, and living freely in a historic park spanning 660 hectares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This contrast perfectly illustrates two faces of Japan. On one side, a country sometimes favoring commerce and entertainment over animal welfare. On the other side, a country with a deep spiritual tradition that teaches respect for nature and harmony with living beings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The deer in Nara gave me hope. They showed me that there is a way for people and wild animals to coexist in respect and mutual reverence. It is not just about protecting animals \u2013 it is about preserving a spiritual tradition that teaches us that nature is sacred and deserves our care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion-lesson-for-the-future\">Conclusion \u2013 A Lesson for the Future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The history of the sika deer in Nara Park is a story of over a thousand years of protection, respect, and harmonious coexistence. It proves that when people approach animals with respect and spiritual reverence, something extraordinary and beautiful can emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For me personally, visiting Nara was one of the most powerful experiences. After critical experiences in Tokyo, I found true beauty in Japanese culture here \u2013 the connection of spirituality, nature, and tradition that has lasted for more than 1300 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you plan a trip to Japan, definitely visit Nara Park. It is a place where you can directly touch living history, meet messengers of the gods, and experience what it means when culture truly honors animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more articles on responsible travel and animal protection, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">faunastika.com<\/a> where I write about <a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/sk\/ako-travit-volny-cas-zmysluplnejsie-dobrovolnictvo-v-utulku-pre-psy-v-kosiciach\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">animal shelters<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/sk\/ako-sa-plavit-za-velrybami-a-delfinmi-na-tenerife-zodpovedne-s-bahriyeli\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">responsible whale watching<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/prakticke-dobrovolnictvo-co-sme-zazili-pri-druhej-navsteve-utulku-pre-kone-domov-pro-kone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">animal sanctuaries<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-preformatted\">Are you looking for an <a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/from-farm-to-freedom-discover-the-jarikhanda-animal-sanctuary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">animal shelter<\/a>, sanctuary for farm animals in Europe? Here are some tips: <br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/meet-the-residents-of-the-dog-shelter-in-spain-aprop-pego\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/meet-the-residents-of-the-dog-shelter-in-spain-aprop-pego\/<\/a><br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/practical-volunteering-what-we-experienced-during-our-second-visit-to-the-horsesanctuary-domov-pro-kone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/practical-volunteering-what-we-experienced-during-our-second-visit-to-the-horsesanctuary-domov-pro-kone\/<\/a><br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/how-was-my-week-as-a-volunteer-at-tenerife-horse-rescue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/how-was-my-week-as-a-volunteer-at-tenerife-horse-rescue\/<\/a><br><br><br><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-1-color\">Faunastika Youtube Channel<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-automatic-youtube-gallery-block\"><div class=\"automatic-youtube-gallery ayg\">\n        <ayg-theme-classic id=\"ayg-2fc749c10f9107d0707beb500a1f41cd\" class=\"ayg-theme ayg-theme-classic\" data-params=\"{&quot;uid&quot;:&quot;2fc749c10f9107d0707beb500a1f41cd&quot;,&quot;loop&quot;:0,&quot;autoadvance&quot;:1,&quot;player_title&quot;:1,&quot;player_description&quot;:1}\">\n        <div class=\"ayg-player\">\n            <div class=\"ayg-player-container\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\">\n                <ayg-player src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lYEaJc4ZTT0?enablejsapi=1&#038;playsinline=1&#038;rel=0&#038;modestbranding=1&#038;iv_load_policy=3\" ratio=\"56.25\" title=\"Elephant baby trapped by Jeeps - Sri Lanka\" poster=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/lYEaJc4ZTT0\/maxresdefault.jpg\"><\/ayg-player>           \n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"ayg-player-caption\">\n                    \n                    <h2 class=\"ayg-player-title\">Elephant baby trapped by Jeeps &#8211; Sri Lanka<\/h2>  \n                                  \n                    <ayg-description class=\"ayg-player-description\"><span class=\"ayg-player-description-less\">A closer look at the chaos inside Hurulu Eco Park in Sri Lanka. Multiple safari jeeps push too close to wild elephants, creating stress, noise, and dangerous situations for the <span class=\"ayg-player-description-dots\">&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ayg-player-description-more\">animals. This video shows why Sri Lanka\u2019s elephant safaris are not as \u201ceco\u201d or ethical as they appear.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nRead the full story and learn how to support responsible wildlife tourism on faunastika.com<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/hurulu-eco-park-sri-lanka-elephant-safari-and-unethical-wildlife-tourism\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/hurulu-eco-park-sri-lanka-elephant-safari-and-unethical-wildlife-tourism\/<\/a><\/span><a href=\"#\" class=\"ayg-player-description-toggle-btn\">Show More<\/a><\/ayg-description>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"ayg-videos ayg-gallery ayg-row\">\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-lYEaJc4ZTT0 ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2 ayg-active\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"lYEaJc4ZTT0\" data-title=\"Elephant baby trapped by Jeeps - Sri Lanka\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/lYEaJc4ZTT0\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"Elephant baby trapped by Jeeps - Sri Lanka\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">A closer look at the chaos inside Hurulu Eco Park in Sri Lanka. &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\"><span class=\"ayg-player-description-less\">A closer look at the chaos inside Hurulu Eco Park in Sri Lanka. Multiple safari jeeps push too close to wild elephants, creating stress, noise, and dangerous situations for the <span class=\"ayg-player-description-dots\">&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ayg-player-description-more\">animals. This video shows why Sri Lanka\u2019s elephant safaris are not as \u201ceco\u201d or ethical as they appear.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nRead the full story and learn how to support responsible wildlife tourism on faunastika.com<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/hurulu-eco-park-sri-lanka-elephant-safari-and-unethical-wildlife-tourism\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/hurulu-eco-park-sri-lanka-elephant-safari-and-unethical-wildlife-tourism\/<\/a><\/span><a href=\"#\" class=\"ayg-player-description-toggle-btn\">Show More<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-m9IfUK26nVY ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"m9IfUK26nVY\" data-title=\"Sri Lanka Elephant Safari: Baby Elephant Trapped by Tourist Jeeps at Hurulu Eco Park\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/m9IfUK26nVY\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"Sri Lanka Elephant Safari: Baby Elephant Trapped by Tourist Jeeps at Hurulu Eco Park\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">A disturbing moment from a Sri Lanka elephant safari at Hurulu Eco &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\"><span class=\"ayg-player-description-less\">A disturbing moment from a Sri Lanka elephant safari at Hurulu Eco Park: tourist jeeps surround a wild elephant family, trapping a terrified baby. This video shows the reality behind <span class=\"ayg-player-description-dots\">&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ayg-player-description-more\">unregulated wildlife tourism and why these \u201ceco\u201d safaris are far from ethical.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nLearn more about responsible travel and animal welfare on my blog: faunastika.com<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/hurulu-eco-park-sri-lanka-elephant-safari-and-unethical-wildlife-tourism\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/hurulu-eco-park-sri-lanka-elephant-safari-and-unethical-wildlife-tourism\/<\/a><\/span><a href=\"#\" class=\"ayg-player-description-toggle-btn\">Show More<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-jP9L9-ruRLw ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"jP9L9-ruRLw\" data-title=\"A Visit at Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka: Saving Stray Dogs since 2017\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/jP9L9-ruRLw\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"A Visit at Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka: Saving Stray Dogs since 2017\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">Step inside Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka, a sanctuary dedicated to &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\"><span class=\"ayg-player-description-less\">Step inside Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and transforming the lives of hundreds of stray dogs and cats. In this video, witness the incredible work <span class=\"ayg-player-description-dots\">&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ayg-player-description-more\">of AWTSL&#8217;s employees and volunteers\u2014from medical care and rehabilitation to the love and hope they provide to abandoned animals. Founded in 2017 and supported by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, this shelter is a beacon of compassion in a country where millions of strays struggle to survive.<br \/>\n<br \/>\nSee how every donation, volunteer, and visitor makes a difference. Whether it\u2019s through financial support, hands-on help, or simply spreading the word, you too can be part of this life-changing mission.<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\ud83d\udd17 Want to learn more? Visit my blog for the full story, photos, and ways you can help:<br \/>\n\ud83d\udc49 [faunastika.com\/index.php\/animal-wellness-trust-sri-lanka-a-sanctuary-changing-the-lives-of-hundreds-of-dogs\/](<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/animal-wellness-trust-sri-lanka-a-sanctuary-changing-the-lives-of-hundreds-of-dogs\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/animal-wellness-trust-sri-lanka-a-sanctuary-changing-the-lives-of-hundreds-of-dogs\/<\/a>)<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\ud83d\udc99 Support the shelter:[animalwellnesstrust.org](<a href=\"https:\/\/www.animalwellnesstrust.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.animalwellnesstrust.org\/<\/a>)<br \/>\n\ud83d\udc3e Follow my journey for more stories on animal welfare and ethical travel.<br \/>\n<br \/>\n#AnimalRescue #SriLanka #StrayDogs #AnimalWellnessTrust #CompassionInAction #travelforgood<\/span><a href=\"#\" class=\"ayg-player-description-toggle-btn\">Show More<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-nBsiNaKeCdM ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"nBsiNaKeCdM\" data-title=\"Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/nBsiNaKeCdM\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">According to the Sri Lanka Animal Welfare Association, the number of &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\"><span class=\"ayg-player-description-less\">According to the Sri Lanka Animal Welfare Association, the number of abandoned dogs in the country is estimated at 2 to 3 million. We visited Animal Wellness Trust Sri Lanka, <span class=\"ayg-player-description-dots\">&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ayg-player-description-more\">a sanctuary changing the lives of hundreds of abandoned dogs and cats. <br \/>\nLearn how it works, how you can help, and the story of the founders who started it all in 2017. The article also includes information about the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and the Amy\u2019s Haven project.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/animal-wellness-trust-sri-lanka-a-sanctuary-changing-the-lives-of-hundreds-of-dogs\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/animal-wellness-trust-sri-lanka-a-sanctuary-changing-the-lives-of-hundreds-of-dogs\/<\/a><\/span><a href=\"#\" class=\"ayg-player-description-toggle-btn\">Show More<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-SOWJbAJMddg ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"SOWJbAJMddg\" data-title=\"Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre Habaraduwa in Sri Lanka\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/SOWJbAJMddg\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre Habaraduwa in Sri Lanka\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">Sri Lanka turtle rescue: Ethical or tourist trap? \ud83d\udc22 Clean tanks, real &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\"><span class=\"ayg-player-description-less\">Sri Lanka turtle rescue: Ethical or tourist trap? \ud83d\udc22 Clean tanks, real rehab, Swiss sponsor + academic backing! Full story + transparency check on faunastika.com \ud83c\udf34<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/sea-turtle-hatchery-centre-habarauwa-ethics-behind-the-scenes-of-tourism\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/sea-turtle-hatchery-centre-habarauwa-ethics-behind-the-scenes-of-tourism\/<\/a><br \/>\n<br \/>\n#SeaTurtle #SriLankaTravel #EthicalTourism #WildlifeRescue #Habaraduwa <span class=\"ayg-player-description-dots\">&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ayg-player-description-more\">#Faunastika<\/span><a href=\"#\" class=\"ayg-player-description-toggle-btn\">Show More<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-6bXhw0g5kbI ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"6bXhw0g5kbI\" data-title=\"A beautiful sunny autumn day volunteering at a dog shelter #animalwelfare #dogshelter #volunteering\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/6bXhw0g5kbI\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"A beautiful sunny autumn day volunteering at a dog shelter #animalwelfare #dogshelter #volunteering\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">I just spent a beautiful sunny autumn day volunteering at a dog &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\"><span class=\"ayg-player-description-less\">I just spent a beautiful sunny autumn day volunteering at a dog shelter in Ko\u0161ice. I walked four lovely dogs and brushed their fur afterward. The shelter was buzzing with <span class=\"ayg-player-description-dots\">&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ayg-player-description-more\">other dogwalkers, and I got to work with Eva, an amazing cynology student and true dog lover. It was such a rewarding experience full of good vibes. If you love animals, consider volunteering too! <br \/>\n<br \/>\nSee you at Faunastika.com!<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uvp.sk\/kategoria-produktu\/caka-na-osvojenie\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.uvp.sk\/kategoria-produktu\/caka-na-osvojenie\/<\/a><\/span><a href=\"#\" class=\"ayg-player-description-toggle-btn\">Show More<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-zaBy-nb4RXg ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"zaBy-nb4RXg\" data-title=\"Sacred Sika Deer of Nara Park: Japan&#039;s Living Spiritual Heritage\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/zaBy-nb4RXg\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"Sacred Sika Deer of Nara Park: Japan&#039;s Living Spiritual Heritage\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">Explore Nara Park in Japan, where sacred deer roam freely amid ancient &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\">Explore Nara Park in Japan, where sacred deer roam freely amid ancient temples and stunning natural beauty.<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-4uR07BIIols ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"4uR07BIIols\" data-title=\"Tokyo\u2019s Takeshita street animal cafes vs animal welfare\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/4uR07BIIols\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"Tokyo\u2019s Takeshita street animal cafes vs animal welfare\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">Explore the darker side of Takeshita Street\u2019s popular animal cafes in &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\"><span class=\"ayg-player-description-less\">Explore the darker side of Takeshita Street\u2019s popular animal cafes in Tokyo\u2014from capybaras and tiny pigs to Samoyed dogs. What\u2019s behind the cute facade? Discover the ethical questions and even <span class=\"ayg-player-description-dots\">&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ayg-player-description-more\">a shocking puppy shop found in one of the shopping centers in Tokyo. #Tokyo #AnimalCafes #TakeshitaStreet #AnimalWelfare #TravelShorts#faunastika<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/<\/a><\/span><a href=\"#\" class=\"ayg-player-description-toggle-btn\">Show More<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-8xtWbs3lK48 ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"8xtWbs3lK48\" data-title=\"Our latest visit to the horse shelter Domov pro kon\u011b.\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/8xtWbs3lK48\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"Our latest visit to the horse shelter Domov pro kon\u011b.\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">Discover an oasis for horses \u2013 Domov pro kon\u011b in Le\u0161tina, south of &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\">Discover an oasis for horses \u2013 Domov pro kon\u011b in Le\u0161tina, south of Prague near Votice.<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.domovprokone.cz\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.domovprokone.cz\/<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-UdsAbqniUEc ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"UdsAbqniUEc\" data-title=\"A Day at the Dog Shelter APROP in Pego. #animalshelter #faunastika\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/UdsAbqniUEc\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"A Day at the Dog Shelter APROP in Pego. #animalshelter #faunastika\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">APROP relies entirely on volunteer work and donations from supporters. &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\">APROP relies entirely on volunteer work and donations from supporters. The shelter provides a safe haven for animals that are often sick, injured, or malnourished. <br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/en\/experience-volunteering-in-spain-with-animals-the-aprop-dog-shelter\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/en\/experience-volunteering-in-spain-with-animals-the-aprop-dog-shelter\/<\/a><br \/>\n<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aprop-pego.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.aprop-pego.org\/<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-qBsnYlymRXU ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"qBsnYlymRXU\" data-title=\"Experience volunteering in Spain with animals: the APROP dog shelter #animalshelter #puppy\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/qBsnYlymRXU\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"Experience volunteering in Spain with animals: the APROP dog shelter #animalshelter #puppy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">Volunteering in Spain. Read about my trip to APROP, a Spanish animal &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\">Volunteering in Spain. Read about my trip to APROP, a Spanish animal shelter that rehomes more than 80% of its dogs. Relive unforgettable experience with me.<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/en\/experience-volunteering-in-spain-with-animals-the-aprop-dog-shelter\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/en\/experience-volunteering-in-spain-with-animals-the-aprop-dog-shelter\/<\/a><br \/>\n<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aprop-pego.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.aprop-pego.org\/<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"ayg-video ayg-video-qwWRJpq5FKo ayg-col ayg-col-4 ayg-col-sm-3 ayg-col-xs-2\">\n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail\" data-id=\"qwWRJpq5FKo\" data-title=\"Rescued Jess | Dog shelter| \u00datulok UVP Ko\u0161ice #animalshelter\" data-url=\"\">\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-media\" style=\"--ayg-image-ratio: 9 \/ 16\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/qwWRJpq5FKo\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"ayg-thumbnail-image\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"Rescued Jess | Dog shelter| \u00datulok UVP Ko\u0161ice #animalshelter\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-now-playing\" style=\"display: none;\">Now Playing<\/div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"white\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" class=\"ayg-icon ayg-thumbnail-icon-play\" title=\"Play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M2.25 12c0-5.385 4.365-9.75 9.75-9.75s9.75 4.365 9.75 9.75-4.365 9.75-9.75 9.75S2.25 17.385 2.25 12Zm14.024-.983a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 1.966l-5.603 3.113A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 9 15.113V8.887c0-.857.921-1.4 1.671-.983l5.603 3.113Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>        \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-caption\">\n         \n                    <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-excerpt\">Jess saved from unsuitable condictions Chilli with a freshly brushed &#8230;<\/div>\n                  \n            <div class=\"ayg-thumbnail-description\" style=\"display: none;\"><span class=\"ayg-player-description-less\">Jess saved from unsuitable condictions<br \/>\nChilli with a freshly brushed coat<br \/>\nAjax waiting for you to visit in the Dog shelter Ko\u0161ice<br \/>\n||||<br \/>\nJess zachr\u00e1nen\u00e1 pred nevhodn\u00fdmi podmienkami<br \/>\nChilli s \u010derstvo vy\u010desanou srs\u0165ou<br \/>\nAjax \u010dak\u00e1 na <span class=\"ayg-player-description-dots\">&#8230;<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ayg-player-description-more\">n\u00e1v\u0161tevu v \u00fatulku pre psov Ko\u0161ice<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/en\/four-dogs-to-walk-one-happy-day\/\">https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/en\/four-dogs-to-walk-one-happy-day\/<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uvp.sk\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.uvp.sk\/<\/a><br \/>\nPre adopciu kontaktujte\/Contact for adoption:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uvp.sk\/zakladne-info-k-adopcii\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.uvp.sk\/zakladne-info-k-adopcii\/<\/a><br \/>\n@utulokuvpkosiceuniavzajomn2350<br \/>\n<br \/>\n#animalshelter #animalshelters #uvp #\u00fatulek #utulok #kosice<\/span><a href=\"#\" class=\"ayg-player-description-toggle-btn\">Show More<\/a><\/div>\n            <\/div>           \n<\/div>                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n        <ayg-pagination class=\"ayg-pagination\" data-params=\"{&quot;uid&quot;:&quot;2fc749c10f9107d0707beb500a1f41cd&quot;,&quot;post_id&quot;:578,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;channel&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UC_jan-EII7jpFW3ypES-xxQ&quot;,&quot;order&quot;:&quot;relevance&quot;,&quot;limit&quot;:500,&quot;per_page&quot;:12,&quot;cache&quot;:86400,&quot;columns&quot;:4,&quot;thumb_ratio&quot;:177.78,&quot;thumb_title&quot;:0,&quot;thumb_title_length&quot;:167,&quot;thumb_excerpt&quot;:1,&quot;thumb_excerpt_length&quot;:75,&quot;player_description&quot;:1,&quot;total_pages&quot;:2,&quot;paged&quot;:1,&quot;next_page_token&quot;:&quot;EAAaHlBUOkNBd2lFRGczTkRVNU1qVTVRVVV6UTBWRk56aw&quot;,&quot;prev_page_token&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\">\n            <div class=\"ayg-pagination-next\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"ayg-btn ayg-pagination-next-btn\" data-type=\"more\">Load More<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/ayg-pagination>    <\/ayg-theme-classic>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Contrast of Two Worlds In my previous article about Japan, I wrote about the problematic aspects of this country, especially about animal cafes on Takeshita Street. Animals here live in an artificial and often stressful environment for the amusement of tourists. But Japan also has its second, surprisingly beautiful side. In Nara Park, I discovered&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":568,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-578","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-en"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The surprising other side of Japan \u2013 honor for sika deer - blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In Nara Park, I discovered something completely different \u2013 a place where people treat animals with respect, love, and deep reverence that reaches back more than 1300 years in history.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/faunastika.com\/index.php\/the-surprising-other-side-of-japan-honor-for-sika-deer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The surprising other side of Japan \u2013 honor for sika deer - 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