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People in Leitrim and Cavan are being asked to keep their eyes peeled for a missing ostrich.

The unusual request comes after Big Bird, an ostrich owned by Stephanie Palmer, went missing over two weeks ago when a tree fell onto the fence around his enclosure and he got out.

People in the Corlough, Corraleehan and wider south Leitrim/West Cavan regions are asked to be particularly vigilant after Big Bird was spotted on the Cortoon Road in Corlough last week, the Leitrim Observer reports.

And the ostrich was also spotted in Glenfarne along the Manorhamilton Road on Wednesday morning - June 24.

But his frantic owner Stephanie has not yet traced her beloved pet.

Posting on Facebook, she said: "We really want him back, so could you please share this in the Corlough/Corraleehan (and wider area) and please contact me if anyone spots him.

"Our Big Bird ran away 2 weeks ago when a tree fell onto the fence. He was last seen last week on the Cortoon Road in Corlough."

Ostriches can reach speeds of 50km per hour and adult males could have a height of 2.8m or weigh almost 140kg.

People are advised not to approach Big Bird if he is spotted, but contact local gardai or Stephanie on Facebook.