Martha uses cars' sheen to preen
When spring arrives a girl likes to look her best and Martha the ostrich is no exception.
Staff at West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, thought her vanity was to do with greeting visitors but now believe it is about finding a mate.
The park has only two females, the other being Maureen, and Martha is determined to compete for a boyfriend.
Bob Lawrence, Director of Wildlife at the Park, said: "Martha is a constant tease and Maureen does anything for a quiet life. However, Martha always likes to have the last word and can often be seen snapping her bill, whistling and even grunting at her long-suffering companion.
"It is thought that the introduction of a male might put an end to their squabbles." Martha and Maureen can be seen in the 15-acre drive through safari section in the African Reserve which they share with free-roaming White Rhinoceros, Zebra, Gnu, Giraffe and many different antelopes.
Martha is a big hit with visitors as she appears to admire her own reflection on car bonnets. Bob said: "As with most ostriches, those at the park are extremely inquisitive. They are impressive at more than six ft tall and being the largest flightless bird are distinctive by their camel-like appearance and erratic behaviour. Ostrich are also long-living birds, with a recorded life span of around 40 years so there is most likely to be many more years of lively banter between the two females."
Bob said they enjoyed a bumper start to the season, with the weekend especially busy because of good weather.
He said: "We are hoping the good weather will continue. It has really brought out the crowds.
"They are able to see the animals at their best and everyone has been enjoying the good weather. We have been ensuring all the animals have shade so that they can escape the sun and have plenty of water to drink."
