UPI – An Australian zoo shared footage of an unexpected animal escape drill, starring the zoo director as a runaway cassowary.
Rockhampton Councillor for Parks, Sport, and Public Spaces Cherie Rutherford, revealed that this was the first time the Rockhampton Zoo conducted such a drill during operating hours, with visitors on-site.
“This year’s training was the first live experience and an opportunity for staff to put their training into practice,” Rutherford said in a news release.
“The exercise was kept a complete surprise, with staff only realising it was a drill after it began. It was also a surprise to zoo-goers on the day who were able to see the training in action, with some even getting to take part.”
The drill featured Rockhampton Zoo Director Liz Bellward portraying the escaped animal in an ostrich costume.
“Unfortunately, you can’t buy a cassowary costume,” the zoo explained in a Facebook post.
“The team communicated effectively and worked well together to bring the cassowary safely back to its enclosure,” the post said.
