Bye bye birdie

Ubin resident Lim Choo Zi, 78, saying goodbye to his pet ostrich before the duo part ways.
July 12, 2005
CHANG AI-LIEN
Straits Times

The young male, christened 'Ubin', has been adopted by the Jurong BirdPark, and made the big move to the mainland yesterday.

The bachelor will join an existing harem of three females and, hopefully, do what the older male at the park has not been able to for the past few years - father some chicks.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority recently banned all poultry on Pulau Ubin, including the ostrich, as part of ongoing efforts to keep the deadly bird flu out of Singapore.

The 2m-tall bird was packed into a specially-constructed crate and ferried away by bumboat.

Mr Lim, who has been given membership at the bird park, said he plans to visit his friend soon.