Why Ostriches Are Some of the Coolest Animals on Earth (And Why We’re Proud to Raise Them)

Spend even a moment around an ostrich and it becomes clear that this is no ordinary animal. They’re striking, powerful, curious, and surprisingly charismatic. They move with an elegance that doesn’t seem possible for a bird their size, and they carry a presence that makes you stop in your tracks. At Superior Ostrich, we get to witness their incredible nature up close every day, and the more we learn about them, the more extraordinary they become.

Most people only know a few basics—ostriches are big, ostriches run fast, and ostriches definitely don’t fly. But that’s only the beginning. These birds aren’t just impressive; they’re engineered by nature in ways that make them one of the most fascinating animals on the planet, and one of the most sustainable and nutritious sources of red meat available today.

Take their speed, for example. Watching an ostrich run is watching efficiency in motion. They can reach speeds around 45 miles per hour, and they maintain that pace with long, graceful strides that stretch up to 16 feet. Their powerful legs act like natural springs, propelling them forward with an ease that almost looks effortless. This athletic build creates muscle that’s naturally lean yet tender—one of the reasons ostrich meat has such a clean, beef-like flavor without the heaviness.

Their internal design is just as impressive. Ostriches have three stomachs, each playing a role in breaking down and processing nutrients with incredible efficiency. This unique digestive system means they require fewer resources than traditional livestock—less water, less feed, and less land. It’s a natural blueprint for sustainable agriculture, and it allows us to raise a premium red meat in a way that aligns with responsible land stewardship and thoughtful farming practices. Ostriches are proof that some of the best answers for the future of food already exist in nature.

And then there are their wings. Large, feathered, expressive—but not for flying. Instead, ostriches use their wings for balance and communication. When they’re running, the wings help them steer and stabilize. When they’re interacting with one another, those same wings become a tool for signaling, showing off, and even performing the “dances” that so many people love to watch. It’s one of the many behaviors that reveal how social and emotionally expressive these birds truly are.

Speaking of unexpected behavior—ostriches are also one of the only birds that drink water without tilting their heads back. They lower their beaks, sip, and swallow in a way that feels oddly familiar for a species so ancient. It’s little quirks like this that make people fall in love with them once they spend time around them. They’re full of surprises, and every day on the ranch offers a reminder of how unique and intelligently evolved they are.

Despite their size and strength, ostriches have a calm, social nature when raised in a healthy environment. They thrive in groups, communicate constantly, and show clear bonds with their flock. When they feel safe and comfortable, you can see it in the way they move—steady, curious, and confident. That calm temperament is one reason ostrich meat can maintain such exceptional quality. Well-cared-for animals always produce better results, and we take that responsibility seriously.

All of these traits—speed, efficiency, intelligence, social behavior—lead to something people don’t expect until they try it: ostrich meat is one of the most nutrient-dense and delicious red meats available. It has the rich, hearty flavor of beef but carries significantly less fat and fewer calories. It’s naturally high in iron and protein, making it a favorite among athletes, clean-eating households, and anyone looking for a healthier red-meat option without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. It cooks beautifully, adapts to countless recipes, and fits seamlessly into weeknight meals or elevated weekend dishes.

What makes ostrich even more exciting is how well it aligns with the future of sustainable food. Raising ostriches requires fewer natural resources, and the environmental impact is meaningfully lower compared to cattle. Their biology does the heavy lifting. By working with an animal that naturally thrives with such efficiency, we’re able to produce exceptional meat while staying committed to environmental responsibility and thoughtful ranching practices. It’s a balance of quality, sustainability, and innovation that feels rare—and important—in today’s food landscape.

Of course, beyond the science and sustainability, ostriches are simply fascinating to be around. Their enormous eyes—the largest of any land animal—give them a wide-eyed, almost prehistoric expression. Their legs look like they stepped out of a paleontology book. Their curiosity means they’ll wander over to investigate anything new, from feed buckets to shadows on the ground. There’s a personality to them that people don’t expect until they see it firsthand.

Ostriches have been on this earth for millions of years, surviving shifting climates and predators with an adaptability that continues to serve them today. Everything about them—how they run, how they digest food, how they communicate—is the result of ancient intelligence refined over time. And when we raise them with care, respect, and a focus on their natural strengths, the result is a red meat that reflects the very best of what they are.

At Superior Ostrich, we believe these animals deserve to be appreciated for everything that makes them remarkable. From their biology to their behavior to the exceptional quality of the meat they produce, ostriches are one of the coolest—and most promising—animals in modern agriculture. And for anyone looking to bring something truly extraordinary into the kitchen, ostrich belongs on the table.