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Florida circa 1903. "Oliver W., the famous trotting ostrich, Florida Ostrich Farm, Jacksonville." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Photographic Company. View full size.
If it weren't for Shorpy's impeccable integrity, I'd be inclined to think this was AI-generated, it's so crazy. One must be so careful these days.
Seems they were quite popular for quite a while.
https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/reason/call-box/2018/12/02/call-...
According to the National Zoo:
"Ostriches are the fastest running birds in the world! Scientists have seen ostriches run continuously at speeds of 30-37 mph and sprint up to 43 mph."
This is basically as fast as a horse. Presumably, ostriches do not have backs as strong as horses, hence the cart.
I'm sure Oliver W. had all the winning attributes for a trotting ostrich ... but what are those attributes? Unlike horses or dogs, I look at Oliver W. the same way I look at a racing turtle. Why him?
Run like Colonel Sanders is after you.
Someone forgot their sun hat (bottom left of the picture by the sign).
Judging by the shadows, the sun might be high enough for a scorcher so they may need it.
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