The West Lothian Courier has teamed up with Blair Drummond Safari Park to offer readers the chance to win a family pass for two adults and two children each week - and learn a bit more about their residents at the same time.
“If you have previously visited the park, you may have noticed that our giraffes share their outdoor habitat with two other animals: our zebras and ostriches,” said the park’s communications and conservation manager Jamie-Leigh Green.
“Mixed species enclosures are becoming more and more popular in zoos and safari parks. Housing compatible animals in one space is not only more interesting for visitors, it also provides enrichment for the animals.
“Interactions with other animals can encourage natural, active behaviours.
“For the most part, our giraffes, zebras, and ostriches stick to their own groups. Occasionally, however, our ostriches will wander into the giraffe house.
“Here at the park, we have three ostriches. Our male is called Hamish and he has black and white feathers. Our females are called Deirdre and Louise and they both have grey feathers.
“Ostriches are the world’s largest bird, standing between six and nine feet tall and weighing between 60-140 kg. While ostriches cannot fly, they are exceptionally fast runners
“They can run at speeds over 70km per hour, faster than any other two-legged animal on the planet.
“Ostriches also have an extremely powerful front kick, which they may use to defend themselves. An ostrich can kick with a force of around 2000 pounds per square inch, enough to potentially kill any predators that are threatening it.
“A common myth about ostriches is that they bury their head in the sand, but this is not the case.
“The myth originates from one of the defensive behaviours employed by ostriches. If an ostrich feels threatened, it will lie down with its neck pressed to the ground in the hopes of being less visible.
“From a distance, it can then be difficult to spot the ostrich’s neck as the colour blends in with the sandy soil.”
For a chance to win a family pass, which can be used any one day during the park’s opening season this year, don't miss this week's Courier.
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