The staff member was participating in an exercise designed to ensure that the animal would not be able to escape from its enclosure if the actual situation arose. Although the ostrich is a flightless bird, it is a risk that the popular zoo in northern Thailand – home to around 400 species of animals – is not prepared to accept. A man dressed as an ostrich for a training drill was successfully captured with a fishing net after running amok into a Thai zoo earlier this week. Photo: Chiang Mai Zoo Facebook Page Chiang Mai Zoo director Wuttichai Muangman unveiled the “wildlife management plan” which simulated various emergency situations, including an ostrich falling from its nest. The animal care worker, dressed as the native African bird, “fell out” of the animal exhibit area, prompting colleagues to chase the man on foot, a series of photos posted by the zoo revealed. Eventually, the man was seen captured and accompanied by three fellow staff, including a man holding a giant fishing net. A final snap showed the zoo team looking triumphant as they raised their fists. The zoo said the training provided preparation for “handling a real situation” and included measures to control animal emergencies and guidelines to follow in such situations. The zoo team raised their hands with clenched fists in what appeared to be a victory pose. Photo: Chiang Mai Zoo Facebook Page The ostrich is the largest bird in the world, standing up to 2.7 meters tall and weighing up to 350 pounds (160 kg) according to National Geographic. A startled ostrich can run at speeds of up to 70 km/h and can deliver powerful kicks capable of killing lions and other large predators. The zoo said the training and rehearsal plans provided preparation for “managing a real situation”. Photo: Chiang Mai Zoo Facebook Page It is unclear whether the zoo’s resident giant pandas, hippos or penguin colonies will be subject to similar training exercises.
