Sika Deer

Cervus nippon nippon

Meet Nora, Nubbs, & Leeloo!

Maymont is home to three sika deer. Native native to Japan, Korea, China and Siberia, sika deer were introduced to Assateague Island (off the Virginia coast) in the 1920s. Sika deer are an example of how a non-native species can be introduced to a different part of the world and learn to thrive in that new environment.

Keeper's Notes

The sika deer can be hard to spot. They like to hang out in the thick brush nearest to the creek in their habitat. This area provides shade and cool ground for them.

Leeloo and Nara are the most social with the keepers. Their favorite treats are grapes and apples, which the keepers use to train them to respond to cues for health checks.

Our keepers use a bell to recall the sika up the hill for their feeding times in the morning and afternoons. This also allows us to monitor their well-being on a daily basis.

Species Info

DIET

Marsh vegetation and grasses

SIZE

70-90 lbs; about 1-1.5 feet in length

LIFESPAN

15-18 years in the wild; and up to 25 years in care settings

HABITAT & RANGE

Marshes and forested wetlands

CONSERVATION STATUS

No special status

Quick Facts

Sika deer have at least 5 different vocalizations, including soft whistles, loud screams, horse-like neighs, goat-like bleating and alarm calls.

Sika deer are excellent swimmers.

Sika deer are smaller than Virginia’s native white-tailed deer. They also have shorter snouts and smaller ears.

Resources:

Sika Deer - Assateague Island Wildlife

Sika Deer | Virginia DWR

Assateague Island National Seashore (ASIS) Report

Explore

Virginia Wildlife Trail

The Robins Nature Center

Maymont Farm

Adopt An Animal!

Through a symbolic adoption, you help us care for all the animals in Maymont’s care.

Adopt An Animal