Photo: Twitter
Photo: Twitter
One of the most annoying things about living in South Africa is dealing with the perceptions of our country from other nationalities. Some of you, perhaps wearily, have had to tell foreigners that ‘animals don’t just walk in our roads, here’ – so let’s hope that none of our international friends see this footage of an Ostrich running free in Ottery, Cape Town.
It’ll do nothing for national stereotypes…
Someone posted this in a WhatsApp group a short while ago… apparently an ostrich is in Ottery and making its way to the M5.
— Robyn Smith (@robyn_smith_sa) September 29, 2021
What the hell? pic.twitter.com/8o5jVusVc6
The Ottery ostrich causes chaos on Cape Town roads
Footage emerged on Wednesday morning of the bemused bird blocking traffic in Ottery. Some reports claim that the Ostrich was heading towards the M5, leaving scores of cars gridlocked during the morning commute.
Sure enough, community WhatsApp groups began sharing these bizarre images, warning others to avoid the area. Our Ostrich, meanwhile, didn’t quite get to grips with the concept of a dual carriageway.
Watch: Runaway Ostrich heads for the M5
Cape Town – Ottery pic.twitter.com/Qo6tMkicOu
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) September 29, 2021
What is actually going on in Ottery?
Where this animal has come from – and how it can possibly return home – has not yet been made clear. The sighting has taken locals by surprise, and it’s certainly not something you’d expect to see in your neighbourhood. Members of local Facebook groups reported that the ostrich was first spotted at 11:00 on 29 September.
The animal was last sighted on Strandfontein Road and Ottery Road. We understand the SPCA has been contacted, and efforts are ongoing to capture the feathered creature.
The ostrich was also seen running alongside traffic, weaving in and out of lanes and causing some vehicles to slam on the brakes. With a roadside manner like that, someone might have to double-check if he’s also a BMW driver.
