World Ostrich Association
An Ostrich
Introduction
- The Ostrich is a member of the Ratite family of birds which also includes
Emus, Rheas, Cassowaries and Kiwis.
- Extinct species of Ratites include the Elephant bird of Madagascar and the
Moas birds of New Zealand.
- Like all Ratites, Ostrich cannot fly.
- There are 3 main species of Ostrich of which only one, the African Black
(Struthio Camelus Domesticus), is not found in the wild.
- Ostrich skeletons and fossils have been found which date back over 60
million years; Ostrich are a true dinosaur.
- Ostrich produce the strongest commercially available leather in the world
and some of the most beautiful feathers.
- Ostrich meat is a healthy red meat. It is low in cholesterol, calories and
is almost fat-free. Their meat resembles Beef in its appearance and is cooked
almost the same way. Ostrich meat tastes just like... well, it tastes just
like Ostrich meat.
- Ostrich are not an endangered species; there are at least 1.5 million
worldwide.
- Ostrich have the best feed-to-weight-gain ratio of any land animal in the
world. They are successfully farmed in at least 70 countries - from the
coldest climates of Alaska to the equatorial areas of central Africa.
- When fully grown, an Ostrich has one of the most advanced immune systems
known to mankind.
- Ostrich are the second fastest animal in the world and can run at up to 40
miles per hour (64 km. per hour).
- Ostrich do not bury their heads in the sand.
- Ostrich farming is one of the most open, free-range farming alternatives
available anywhere in the world today; on average, a trio of Ostrich require
about two thirds of an acre (0.25 hectares) in which to breed and run around.
- Ostrich are an extremely resourceful species and are recognized as one of
the few "environmentally friendly" animals in the world.