On the morning of 17/5, residents in Ap 7 Met, Tan Thanh commune, Long An province, observed numerous ostriches running wildly on a deserted road. Concerned the animals could pose a danger to passing vehicles, some residents organized an effort to corral them and reported the incident to local authorities.

Residents corral ostriches to hand over to authorities. Video: Provided by residents.

The commune police then dispatched officers to the scene, where they recorded a total of 10 ostriches, each weighing from tens of kilograms to about 100 kg. Six of them were already dead.

The deserted nature of the incident area and the absence of surveillance cameras complicated verification efforts. Local authorities stated there were no ostrich farms in the vicinity, initially concluding the birds might have been transported from another location.

The ostriches have since been handed over to the economic department and veterinary forces for reception and processing according to regulations.

Ostriches originate from Africa and are the largest living bird species in the world. When mature, they stand about 1,8-2,7 meters tall, weigh 90-150 kg, and are commonly raised in many countries.

In Vietnam, ostriches are raised in many localities, concentrated in Hanoi, Khanh Hoa, and some Mekong Delta provinces for meat and tourism.

Nam An