Police say the rhea, a tall flightless bird native to South America, poses threat to public and anyone who sees it should call 999 immediately

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

An “aggressive” ostrich-like bird reported missing from a private collection is still on the loose, with police warning it poses a threat to the public.



Anyone in the Nottinghamshire area who spots the rhea, a tall flightless bird native to South America, is urged to call 999 immediately.

The animal is thought to have gone missing from Carlton-in-Lindrick, near Worksop, between Monday evening and midday on Tuesday.

Police said on Thursday morning that there have been no confirmed sightings of the animal. Insp Paul Peatfield, from Nottinghamshire police, said: “We are warning local people and particularly those with small children to be on their guard and not to approach the bird, which poses a very real threat to the public due to its size, aggressive nature and the unfamiliar surroundings it could find itself in.

“Officers are working with the owner to trace the bird as we look to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

“If anyone sees this bird, please call 999 immediately, quoting incident number 601 of Tuesday 23 June.”