It’s party time at Werribee Open Range Zoo following the arrival of four new charismatic ostriches who can bust a move and have the keen desire for a peck.
The 13-year-old curious male big-birds – Thando, Kambuni, Zazu and Orville – were recently introduced to the zoo’s savannah and are turning heads with their tall physique, dark feathery plumage and handsome big eyes.
Werribee Open Range Zoo savannah keeper Resistance Manyepera said the bustling ostriches are bringing a flurry of hectic energy and enthusiastically exploring their new surroundings.
“These four boys all have different personalities,” Mr Manyepera said.
“Zazu is the dominant male in the group and can often be seen patrolling around the savannah. He also likes to dance too.”
Despite their reputation as somewhat awkward birds, ostriches engage in an impressive dance during courtship. Zazu fluffs up his feathers and spreads his wings wide, creating an impressive visual display. He then performs a series of intricate movements, including bobbing his head, swaying from side to side, and gracefully lifting and lowering his wings.
Mr Manyepera said the ostriches have quite a bit of competition on the Savannah – a home they share with six other species – so they often like to showcase their confidence by puffing out their chests.
“Sometimes they spread their wings out and stand tall to try and look much bigger among the other animals,” Mr Manyepera said.
“This is really interesting because this is the first time these ostriches are seeing giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra and all the other animals we have down on our savannah. So, they are slowly learning how to interact them, understanding which animals they can get close to and which animals they should stay away from.”
The common ostrich is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where they inhabit a range of habitats including hot savannahs, deserts and open woodlands. It is the world’s largest bird, growing up to 2.7 metres tall and weighing almost 150 kilograms. They are also the world’s fastest flightless bird and the fastest of all two-legged animals on the planet, running at speeds reaching 69 km/h.
Werribee Open Range Zoo is now home to a flock of eight male ostriches. Visitors have the opportunity to see the four new arrivals on a savannah bus tour that run throughout the day and are included with entry.
