By MISUZU TSUKUE/ Staff Writer
December 4, 2023 at 18:48 JST
Deer are drawn to a melody from Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony in Nara on Dec. 1. (Misuzu Tsukue)
NARA--As if mesmerized by the tender, soothing tones of the natural horn, dozens of deer emerged from the woods here on Dec. 1, drawn by a melody from Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony.
Do the lovable animals in Nara Park love classical music? Possibly, but they definitely love what follows--a delicious meal of acorns.
“Hungry deer know what this sound means, it triggers a Pavlovian response from them,” said Kenichi Utsugi, a member of the Nara Deer Preservation Foundation, as he fed acorns to the animals.
The horn playing and feeding events are held in summer and winter as tourist attractions. The practice dates to the Meiji Era (1868-1912).
Utsugi will blow his horn in the Tobihino area of the park every day at 10 a.m. until Dec. 14, except the 10th. Another round of this event is scheduled for January and February.
Acorns given to the deer were donated by the public to the foundation. The acorns are also fed to deer in a nearby conservation center run by the organization.
Normally, tourists in the park are not allowed to feed the deer acorns or any other food except for healthy deer crackers specially designed for them.
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