- The ostrich is a member of the ratite family of birds.
- Ostriches cannot fly.
- There are 3 main species of ostriches of which only one, the Struthio
Camelus Domesticus (the African Black), is found in captivity.
- Ostriches skeletons and fossils have been found which date back over
120 million years; ostriches are a true dinosaur.
- Ostriches produce the strongest commercially available leather in
the world and some of the most beautiful feathers.
- Ostrich meat is a red meat and is very low in cholesterol, calories
and is almost fat free. Ostrich 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.
- Ostriches are not an endangered species; there are at least 2 million
worldwide.
- 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.
- When fully grown an ostrich has one of the most advanced immune systems
known to mankind.
- Ostriches are the second fastest animal in the world, and the fastest
2 legged animal, and can run at 45 miles per hour (70 km. per hour).
They can maintain this speed for at least 30 minutes.
- Ostriches do not bury their head 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 ostriches
requires about two thirds of an acre (0.25 hectares) to breed and run
around in.
- Ostriches are an extremely resourceful species and are recognized
as one of the only environmentally friendly animals in the world.
- Its long, thick, and powerful legs can cover great distances without
much effort, and its feet have only two toes for greater speed.
- Ostriches can sprint in short bursts up to 43 miles per hour (70
kilometers per hour), and they can maintain a steady speed of 31 miles
per hour (50 kilometers per hour).
- Just one of an ostrich's strides can be 10 to 16 feet (3 to 5 meters)
long-that's longer than many rooms!
- " When danger threatens, ostriches can escape pretty easily by
running away. They can also defend themselves: they have a 4-inch (10-centimeter)
claw on each foot, and their kick is powerful enough to kill a lion.
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