 Joseph Gathiga, on an expansive farm outside of the Kenyan capital city, trains jockeys (often reluctant jockeys, at that) for what has become that country's latest phenonomen -- ostrich racing. There is a growing interest in the large birds that has been enhanced by the rising demand for their protein rich and low cholesterol meat. In addition, a growing number of people have taken to riding the animals. Many potential riders fear that the birds could kills them, a fear that is not misplaced. Ostriches are notoriously nasty birds and have been known to tear humans in to pieces with their razor sharp talons that protrude visciously from their feet. There has been a sharp increase in the racing of ostriches despite their nasty reputations and belligerent, including hissing and spiting when they are not on the attack. |
