Don Juan, continued

As Don Juan adjusted to his new 32-acre home—complete with regular meals and an audience of adoring hen ostriches—he established himself as the dominant male. Every spring Don Juan dances frequently before the hens, a mating behavior typical of male ostriches attempting to attract a female’s attention. The dance involves wing flapping, vocalizing, and bowing, and at this time of the year, Don Juan’s head, neck and thighs turn a bright pinkish red.  We don’t allow the breeding of animals at Black Beauty Ranch, but nevertheless Don Juan and his girls carry out their rituals.

The ostriches at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch are happy, with a roof over their heads and fresh food and water to keep them well-nourished and healthy. Don Juan and his girls lead a rich, stimulating life, and we are pleased to provide them with a secure future. Though we will never know how they came to be inhabitants of a suburban Texas backyard, we do know they are home for life at Black Beauty Ranch.

Related Links

• Read about other homeless animals, Freckles and Frances, who found a home at the ranch after being found wandering down a country road.

Posted: September 25, 2007