The deets and tweets on today’s top news—a large flightless bird spotted wandering aimlessly in a private subdivision in Quezon City
Absurd. This perhaps is the best term to describe the year. With everyone now vigilant of the surprises 2020 still has in store for us, we thought we were ready for anything. Then comes an ostrich running amok in a subdivision in Quezon City earlier this morning.
Videos of the Struthio camelus is now circulating online, prompting the #Jumanji and #ostrich to trend on Philippine Twitter. Both are still in the top 10 trending topics in the country. Here are some tweets and posts about it.
If like us, you have so many questions (and ostriches)—yes, it was reported that there were two—running through your head, we’re about to answer everything.
Warning: video contains cuss words.
Dino Rivera, a resident of the subdivision caught on camera the ostrich chasing a car in Mapayapa Village 3, 9 a.m. today. The animal apparently slipped away from its owner.
Two videos came out earlier this morning. Here’s the second.
Afraid you might randomly find ostriches on the streets? Don't worry, these big birds have been recaptured and returned to their caretaker, a resident of the subdivision.
Personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources had conducted an investigation in the area. In fact, an animal handler from DENR, Ariel de Jesus, had requested a meeting with the owner of the ostriches, CNN reports.
And if you're wondering if taking care of ostriches is even legal, yes, it is. Under Republic Act No. 9147, the possession of wildlife is illegal unless the person can prove "financial and technical capability and facility" to take care of the animal.
Dr. Rona Rose Sinaon of the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, explains that ostriches are allowed to be pets, so long as the keeper holds a Certificate of Wildlife Registration.
Fun fact, ostriches are the fastest runners among any birds or other two-legged animals. They can sprint at over 70 kilometres per hour, covering up to five meters in a single stride. These escaped ostriches are following their instincts to sprint. Because who wouldn’t want to run away from all the craziness right now, right?
