The ostrich is the largest living bird on earth. They can grow to 9 feet tall and weigh over 350 pounds.
Ostriches
have extremely keen eyesight. Their eyes are larger than their brains.
They can live up to 80 years of age. Males are mature by 30 months, females are mature by 24 months.
Ostriches are a true dinosaur. Skeletons and fossils have been found which date back over 120 million years. They still have remnants of claws under their wings today.
Ostriches are the second fastest animal in the world. They can run up to 45 miles per hour and can maintain this speed for over 30 minutes.
Their eyes have two sets of eyelids. One set of eyelids is opaque and blinks in from the sides. They are used to protect them during sand storms. The other set of eyelids blink like ours!
An ostriches knees bend forward.
The movements of some of the dinosaurs in the film Jurassic Park were based on the movements of ostriches.
A healthy breeding pair will mate up to four times daily and produce up to thirty chicks a year. Ostriches can reproduce about 40 years, so in their lifetime, a breeding pair can produce up to 1,200 offspring.
When fully grown an ostrich has one of the most advanced immune systems known to mankind.
Contrary to popular belief, ostriches do not bury their head in the sand.
Ostriches are successfully farmed in at least 50 countries, from the coldest climates of Alaska to the hottest areas of central Africa.
Ostriches are not an endangered species - there are over 2 million ostriches worldwide.
Ostriches produce the strongest available leather in the world and some of the most beautiful feathers.
Newborn chicks are born about a foot tall.
An ostrich egg is about the size of 13 chicken eggs and can weigh up to 5 pounds.
Ostriches are recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly animals to farm in the world.
Although ostriches are birds, they cannot fly.
