Welfare of Ostriches in Zoo and Safari Park Settings

Ostriches in captive settings require space for their natural running behavior and careful management of their powerful defensive capabilities.

Key Facts

Ostriches can run at 70 km per hour and maintain 50 km per hour for extended periods
Their powerful kick can kill a lion and cause serious human injury
They are highly inquisitive and will investigate and sometimes attack unfamiliar objects
Ostriches are essentially wild animals that have not been fully domesticated
They live in open savanna with extensive sight lines and room to flee predators

Welfare Considerations

Ostriches in inadequate zoo enclosures cannot express their fundamental need for running. Restricted space causes frustration and stress. Their defensive instincts mean any perceived threat triggers intense escape or attack responses. Keeper safety and animal welfare require large naturalistic enclosures with appropriate visual barriers. Without space to run they develop leg problems from lack of exercise. Their inquisitive nature means they need complex environments to explore.

What You Can Do

Visit only facilities with appropriate large enclosures for ostriches
Support zoo welfare standards requiring minimum space for large cursorial birds
Advocate against ostrich riding and racing attractions that exploit their tractability
Learn about ostrich ecology and their natural behaviors in African savannas