Bird’s Close Call at Fresno Chaffee Zoo

A jaw-dropping video captures the moment a show bird at California’s Central Valley Zoo accidentally found itself inside a cheetah enclosure, leading to a frantic escape.

This incident unfolded over the weekend at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. A bystander recorded the bird as it leaped over a fence and into the territory of the cheetahs.

The footage shared on TikTok shows the bird, struggling in a tree, flapping desperately to escape. Just beyond the fence, a group of large cheetahs sat and, upon noticing the movement, instinct took over as the bird managed to break free.

Things escalated when a bunch of cheetahs started chasing the bird, their instincts kicking in. The video shows them jumping and leaping in a bid to catch it. Just as it gets intense, the clip cuts off.

This bird, likely a new addition to the zoo’s showbird team, was practicing for an upcoming act in the Winged Wonders Bird Show when it seemingly veered off course. Reports suggest that it landed atop the cheetah enclosure.

According to a statement from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, the bird is a Roseate Spoonbill that managed to escape but not without sustaining some injuries.

Zoo officials explained that during a free flight exercise, the bird “deviated from its course” and ended up in the cheetah habitat. Staff responded quickly, retrieving the bird, which had suffered minor cuts from the episode, and returned it to the training team.

Zoo Director Gia Krupens noted that all animals involved are being monitored by the veterinary and care teams for any changes in health.

The cheetah, too, was examined and has since returned to its habitat in the zoo’s African Adventure, which spans 13 acres and houses a mix of African wildlife. Opened in 2015, the exhibit features African elephants, cheetahs, and rhinos. Interestingly, the cheetah enclosure is located relatively close to where the bird show takes place.

Cheetahs are known for their remarkable speed, reaching up to 110 miles per hour while a Roseate Spoonbill, on the other hand, tops out at only 51 miles per hour.

It’s safe to say this bird was fortunate to escape with its life. It remains unclear if the zoo will implement any safety measures following this unexpected encounter.

The California Post has reached out to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo for additional comments.