WATCH: Rhea on the loose in Lanarkshire
A rhea that's been on the loose for more than a month has finally been caught.
A rhea that's been on the loose for more than a month has finally been caught.
The Forestry Commission had been trying to track down the feathered animal which had escaped, along with another rhea, from a small farm in Wilsontown, Forth.
One of the birds was spotted in a field area near to Wilsontown on Wednesday and has now been transferred to Auchingarrich Wildlife Park in Comrie.
Inspector Heather Lawson said, “The story of the stray rhea, first thought to be an ostrich, has caused a bit of a stir, with people regularly reporting sightings of it.
“I wasn’t sure how we would be able to catch it given the vast area of woodland it was on. However, with a stroke of luck a local farmer spotted the rhea in a field just off Tashieburn Road.
“With the help of fellow officers, members of the public and the local farmers, we were able to keep the rhea confined long enough to construct a holding pen before being able to load him safely into a trailer.
“The process was relatively straight forward and stress free and the rhea seems none the worse for its adventure.
“This was an example of partnership working between the Scottish SPCA, the Forestry Commission and helpful members of the public.
“We’re really pleased we have been able to catch him and that he will be able to spend his life at the wildlife park in the company of other rheas.
“Thankfully, this story has a happy ending and we’d like to thank those who spent their time helping with the rescue.”
The second Rhea is still on the loose and rescue teams are appealing for help to trace it. Anyone with information should contact the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.