Runaway ostrich weaves through five lanes of traffic in Malaysia
An ostrich was filmed dashing down a busy highway in Kuala Lumpur after it jumped through a car window into five lanes of traffic
Motorists on the Federal Highway were shocked to see the world's largest living bird running between cars at speeds of 35 kilometres per hour.
One driver, Jeff Sandhu, took a video of the bird as it weaved across the lanes, an unusual sighting in Malaysia’s concrete jungle.
"Everyone wasn't sure whether to overtake it or not so we stayed behind it," Mr Sandhu told The Star.
He said the flightless bird was on the loose for a while, and only stopped following it because he had a meeting.
“I don't think anyone would believe me if I told them I was late because I was chasing after an ostrich," he said.
The runaway ostrich was eventually captured by owner Darren Chow, who was driving his beloved pet to a farm.
Mr Chow said the ostrich, affectionately named ‘Chickaboo’, had never jumped out of the window before and was grateful to the four men who helped him catch her.
Exhausted and scared, Chickaboo stopped to rest, allowing Mr Chow to pick her up and take her back to the car.
"I just hoped that she'd be okay. I was willing to trade my life with hers; it's my fault for leaving the window open," he told Channel News Asia.
"Fortunately there were no motor accidents... she wasn't hurt; no one was hurt."
Mr Chow purchased Chickaboo as a young chick from a farm six months ago and said she was a loving animal who even formed a close friendship with his dog.
When his neighbours petitioned for the ostrich to be kept inside a cage, Mr Chow thought it would be cruel, instead opting to return her to the farm where she was born.
News break – June 17
