| A female
ostrich shows remarkable ability to recognize her own
eggs even when mixed in with those of other females in
their communal nest.
Ostriches are so powerful that
a single kick at a predator, such as a lion, could be
fatal.
Ostriches stretch out their
neck and lay their head on the ground to keep from being
seen, hence the myth that ostriches hide in the sand.
Ostrich is the largest and
heaviest living bird. It is unable to fly and does not
posses a keeled sternum (breastbone) common to most birds.
Ostriches can run up to 70km/hr(40
mph) and can outpace most pursuers, such as lions, leopards,
and hyenas.
Ostriches do not bury their
head in the sand.
When fully grown an ostrich
has one of the most advanced immune systems known to mankind.
Ostriches have the best feed
to weight ratio gain of any land animal in the world.
They are successfully farmed in at least 50 countries;
from the coldest climates of Alaska to the equatorial
areas of central Africa.
Ostriches are not an endangered
species; there are at least 2 million worldwide.
Ostrich meat resembles beef
in its appearance and is cooked almost the same way.
Ostrich meat is a red meat
and is very low in cholesterol, calories and is almost
fat free.
Ostriches produce the strongest
commercially available leather in the world and some of
the most beautiful feathers.
Ostriches skeletons and fossils
have been found which date back over 120 million years;
ostriches are a true dinosaur.
There are 3 main species of
ostriches of which only one, the Struthio Camelus Domesticus
(the African Black), is found in captivity.
Ostriches cannot fly. |