Originally published December 30, 2008 at 8:53 PM | Page modified December 31, 2008 at 12:08 AM
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3-year-old ostrich dies at Woodland Park Zoo
A 3-year-old female ostrich died unexpectedly last week, said the Woodland Park Zoo. She was found inside the animal's heated barn.
A 3-year-old female ostrich died unexpectedly last week, said the Woodland Park Zoo. She was found inside the animal's heated barn.
In captivity, ostriches can live up to 50 years. Virtually nothing is known about adult survival rates and longevity in the wild, according to the zoo.
A postmortem examination "revealed significant disease in several organ systems," said the zoo, but a final cause of death is pending.
"To understand the cause of death could take one to two months," said Dr. Kelly Helmick, the zoo's associate veterinarian.
There is one remaining ostrich at the zoo's African Savanna exhibit, which also includes gazelles, giraffes, zebras and oryx. The second ostrich appears to be in good health, the zoo said.
The ostrich is the world's largest bird, with adult males reaching 9 feet and weighing up to 300 pounds, and females reaching 6 feet and weighing 140 to 230 pounds. The birds cannot fly.
The ostrich that died was named Bahati, which means "good fortune" in Swahili.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
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