Our small piece of Africa on Mallorca
Ostriches are by far the biggest birds I've ever seen. Such an impressive creature.
Well, I was a little bit scared at first. This super long necked birdies started to peck after everything they could reach. I remembered a documentary on discovery channel, which pointed out that one strong kick of an ostrich can kill a lion. So, this is sure nobody you want to mess with.
But after a little warm up, I could see how lovely they are - If they feel comfortable (!)
But have a look yourself:
They peck to touch or feel and interact with you. A little bit hurtful sometimes but - how cute is that?!
The family business run ostrich farm we've visited is called "Artestruz Mallorca". It is located in the south of the island near Campos. A sweet little village you should definitly visit too.
They gave us such a warm and friendly welcome, we felt immediately like we were part of the family. They introduced us to every single ostrich near by. They knew every single one by name. Jumbo, Daisy and Pedro came to us and gave us a warm "hello-peck".
By the way: the most desired ostrich lady at the farm is called Claudia Schiffer. 😂
A very friendly young Spanish woman gave us some great insights.
She guided us over two hours. We learned everything about evolution, biology, classification, eating habits, anatomy and got to know a lot of fun facts.
Male ostriches are called cocks or roosters, and females are called hens. A group of ostriches is called a flock. Flocks can consist of up to 100 birds. The huge enclosed areal contained about 40 ostriches.
Did you know that ostriches are the closest living land relative to the dinosaurs?
They can run at maximum speeds of about 100 km/h, making it both the fastest bird on land and the fastest two-legged animal in the world. Only a gepard is faster.
If you want you can buy food and borrow gloves to feed them. But be careful, they going to peck the shit out of you! 😉
We were allowed to visit the compound with some 6 weeks (!!!) old mini baby cutiepie ostriches. Once we entered, they stormed at us like little dinosaurs straight out of Jurassic Park. They look like little long legged porcupines! Our guide explained that this is a mimicry which helps them to survive.
They are absolutely adorable!
But even though they are not shy at all and also very clumsy, you have to move very slow and lower your voice.
Baby ostriches are fragile and can die from a heart attack through stress!
We felt so lucky! In nature it is nearly impossible to see them, as their parents will defend them to death.
Babies hatch every year during the summer. Be sure that you don't miss it!
The experience is what you make it.
You should definitly give it a try. We had a blast!
Entry: 12 Euro
Food: 5 Euro
Googlemaps: http://bit.ly/2v2VEM4