Ostrich causes traffic jam in Pampanga, later dies after rescue

An ostrich caused a traffic jam in Lubao, Pampanga, after it stood in the middle of a road and blocked motorists and bystanders from passing through.

According to Kuya Kim’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, video uploader Iyan Bongalbal said he was on his way home when he suddenly saw the ostrich on the road.

“Kasama ko po 'yung mga kaklase ko. Bigla kaming napahinto sa gitna ng daan kasi may ostrich. Sampung hakbang lang 'yung pagitan namin nung ostrich laya medyo kinakabahan talaga kami,” he shared.

“Baka biglang manghabol. Nagtititigan lang po kami nang matagal doon. Hindi na rin siya gumagalaw.'

After nearly half an hour, a man arrived and helped guide the ostrich away from the road and back toward its original location.

Brgy. San Francisco Barangay Kagawad Reynirio Alvaro later confirmed that the ostrich had escaped from a nearby farm after it was left unattended.

“Nakawala po ‘yung ostrich dahil wala po 'yung nagbabantay,” Alvaro said.

He also shared that the animal may have been highly stressed at the time of its escape.

“Namatay po ‘yung asawa ng ostrich sa pangingitlog. Hindi nakalabas kaagad 'yung itlog. Na-stress, napunta sa kalsada,” Alvaro explained.

However, the situation took a tragic turn just a day after the ostrich was rescued. The animal reportedly died shortly afterward.

“Sumabit daw sa alambre kaya 'yun ang dahilan ng pagkamatay niya. Inilibing po sa doon po sa mismong farm,” Alvaro said.

GMA News tried to reach the owners of the farm but they declined for interview.

Avlaro noted that the farm has since ceased operations, and its owner is reportedly abroad, with a relative left to manage the animals.

Meanwhile, veterinary pathologist Dr. Aris Miclat explained that despite having several partners, the ostrich had a “primary female” or dominant mate with whom it shared a strong bond.

“Despite the fact that they have several partners, mayroon silang tinatawag nilang primary female. ‘Yun talaga 'yung kanyang dominant mate. They have this bond,” said Miclat.

In relation to the viral video, he explained that the animal exhibited unusual or unnecessary behavior following the death of its partner.

“Now in relation dun sa nangyari sa ating video, nagkaroon siya ng mga unnecessary behavior noong namatay 'yung kanyang partner, well, that can be of course very possible. Lalong-lalo na kung syempre nag iba na 'yung kanyang routine that can eventually be a stressful condition dito sa ating animal,” he added.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News