Ostriches observed swimming in sea

PRETORIA -- Ostriches sometimes swim in the sea, according to a South African National Parks Board report.

Yesterday it said two female ostriches were recently seen swimming 1 km from Schaapen Island just south of Saldanha Bay on the Western Cape coast, to the mainland.

"Reports of ostriches swimming in dams have been received, but it is unusual to observe these land birds swimming long distances, and in strong cross-currents to boot."

A fisherman recently saw the birds on Schaapen Island. It was clear they could only have got there by swimming from the West Coast National Park on the lagoon.

Parks staff decided to leave the birds in the hope that they would swim back. A day later they swam back to Perlemoen Point in the Postberg area.

Parks staff monitored their progress from a patrol boat, and within 20 minutes they safely reached the shore.

Bird expert Ian Whyte said it was unfortunate no photographs were taken of the rare event. -- Sapa