Ostrich

Native to Africa, ostriches are the largest birds in the world and are known for their impressive size and speed. They have long legs and powerful thighs, allowing them to run at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, making them the fastest land birds. Ostriches are flightless birds, but their large wings are used for balance and display during courtship.

Little Rock Zoo is home to a small group of female ostriches that live with zebras in the African Savanna habitat. The females often lay eggs, but, as there are no male ostriches, the eggs are infertile.

In the wild, these flightless birds can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour. They use the long dagger-like claws on their two-toed feet to defend themselves, landing kicks that can kill lions.
The ostrich is the largest and heaviest living bird.
Contrary to the popular myth, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand! When an ostrich senses danger and cannot run away, it flops to the ground and remains still, with its head and neck flat on the ground in front of it.
Ostriches have some of the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, they're even bigger than their brains!

At one time, most of Africa was home to the ostrich. Today, although not threatened, the ostrich requires strict protection and farming to conserve the remaining wild populations. Please join our efforts to secure a future for this species by donating to our conservation fund.

Ostrich

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