Ostrich attacks zoo worker in Taronga’s Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo

A zoo’s gardener has been forced to go toe-to-toe with an aggressive male ostrich, using only a whipper snipper to defend himself.

The worker was conducting garden maintenance in the African Savana enclosure at Taronga’s Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo several weeks ago when the attack occurred.

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In footage of the attack, the worker can be seen pinned to the ground as the ostrich kicks, hitting him repeatedly, while the worker desperately tries to maintain distance from the enraged animal using the whippersnipper, which was not on at the time.

The worker tried to get up and back away multiple times before tripping and falling backward as the 2m-plus high animal launches multiple kicks in their direction.

Two other workers can be seen coming to the aid of the man and, using rakes, put distance between them and the ostrich, as they backed up against their truck, before jumping in to safety.

The worker who was attacked reportedly only suffered minor injuries and has since returned to work.

Male ostrich’s may become territorial and aggressive during breeding seasons, which coincide with the warming temperatures. Credit: Taronga Zoo

Male ostriches may become territorial and aggressive during breeding seasons, which coincide with the warming temperatures.

The zoo confirmed that the ostrich was uninjured during the altercation and has been relocated to an off-display habitat until breeding season is over.

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