Ostrich 1

Common Ostrich

Scientific name: Struthio camelus

 

Ostriches are the world’s largest birds. They cannot fly, but they can run very fast – sometimes sprinting up to 43 miles an hour!

Their speed is partly due to their long and powerful legs, which can cover 3-5 meters in one stride and are strong enough to kill lions.

They don’t actually bury their heads in the sand, but will lie low to hide themselves from potential predators, stretching their long necks along the ground, making it look as though they’ve buried their heads in the ground.

Least Concern (Inc. Bar)

  1. We live...

    In the paddocks with the Giraffes and Zebras.

Adopt an ostrich Animal Encounters

  1. Size Fact

    Ostriches are tall birds at 2.1 – 2.7m high.

  2. Food Fact

    Ostriches are omnivores and will eat a varied diet. Their main diet includes roots, leaves and seeds. Ostriches have been known to eat insects, lizards and even snakes and rats.

  3. Fun Fact

    Ostriches don’t actually bury their heads in the sand – it’s a myth.

Maze Drone 1

Adopt Me

You can support our conservation efforts and help with the costs of keeping rare and wonderful zoo animals by adopting an Ostrich. Adopt an Ostrich for yourself or as a gift.

Adopt me now

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