WATCH | Ostrich runs around, dodging traffic after escape from South Korean zoo

The South Korean town of Seongnam was left baffled after they saw an ostrich running around and dodging cars in heavy traffic, on Tuesday (Mar 26) before the flightless bird was eventually cornered and caught by the police and firefighters.

Who let the ostrich out?

According to the local authorities, the ostrich is believed to have escaped from a nearby ecological park and was spotted running loose on the streets of the South Korean town around 9:30 am (local time), surprising several drivers.

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The photos and videos of the flightless bird dodging motorists and running on what seemed to be a highway quickly went viral.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media.

Ostrich caught and safely returned

The ordeal lasted for about an hour and the ostrich, who broke free from a zoo named Bug City, was eventually captured by the police and firefighters around 10:30 am (local time).

No injuries or damage was reported due to the incident, said officials as per South Korean news agency Yonhap.

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The flightless bird was identified as the four-year-old male ostrich named Tadori was caught by the police and a local fire department using a net at a car park about 2.6 kilometres away, according to news agency Reuters.

Tadori was safe and returned to the zoo in stable condition, zoo owner Choi Yun-joo told Reuters.

“His only friend, a female ostrich Tasooni, passed away about a month ago. Guess that has been tough on Tadori,” said Choi.