Thailand zookeeper dresses as ostrich in novel approach to training drill

A man dressed as an eight foot tall ostrich with a towering bird neck strapped to his head was successfully pinned down with a fishing net after running amok in a Thailand zoo this week.

The staff member was taking part in a training drill designed to ensure the animal was unable to escape its enclosure, should the real-world situation ever arise.

Although the ostrich is a flightless bird, it is a risk that the popular northern Thailand zoo – home to about 400 animal species – isn’t willing to take.

The Chiang Mai Zoo director, Wuttichai Muangman, revealed the “wild animal management plan” which simulated various emergency situations including an ostrich falling out of its nest.

The animal care worker dressed as the native African bird “fell out” of its animal show area, prompting colleagues to pursue the man on foot, a series of photos uploaded by the zoo revealed.

Eventually, the man was seen captured and escorted by three fellow staff members, including one man holding a giant fishing net.

A final snap showed the zoo team looking victorious as they held up their arms with clenched fists.

The zoo said the training provided preparation for “managing a real situation” and included measures to control animal emergencies and guidelines to follow in such situations.

The ostrich is the world’s largest bird, growing up to nine feet (2.7m) tall and weighing up to 350lbs (160kg) according to National Geographic.

A frightened ostrich can run at up to 45mph (70km/h) and can deliver powerful kicks capable of killing lions and other large predators.

It is unclear whether the zoo’s resident giant pandas, hippopotamus or penguin colony will be the subject of similar training drills.

~ Via The Guardian