Runaway Rhea Chris 'May Never Be Caught'

The owner of an ostrich-like animal on the loose in Hertfordshire says she does not think anyone will be able to catch it.

The runaway rhea, a female called Chris, has been roaming the countryside for the last month since escaping from her home.

The 6ft-tall bird has spent the past fortnight holed up in the lush surroundings of Barkway Park Golf Club, near Royston.

Owner Joanna Clark, who admits finding her will be a nightmare, said: "I keep getting told where she’s been spotted but I’ll never catch her I don’t think. I’d love my little girl back."

Chris, who comes from South America, cannot take flight but her spindly legs can still reach speeds of 40mph.

Video footage shot by local green keeper Antony Lake of the rhea darting across a field at blistering speed shows why the animal has yet to be caught.

"I've seen her regularly and filmed her a few times," Mr Lake said.

"This video shows just how fast she is. I was running fast and got nowhere near, although a few of us have got quite close over the last couple of weeks."

Gina Skutela, who also works at the golf course, said the bird seems perfectly happy.

"It's an impressive animal - the biggest bird I've ever seen and also very pretty," she said.

"She looks very relaxed, just grazing and looking around. A few golfers have even seen her sat down, chilling out near the fairway."

A spokesman for the RSPCA said the charity was aware of the runaway.

He advised members of the public not to corner the bird because of its powerful kick and ability to deliver a nasty scratch with a swipe of its six-inch claws.