Missing rheas escape Stalham farm and head to Norfolk coast

The runaway rheas escaped a farm in Stalham earlier this week and several of the birds remain on the loose.

It now appears that the rogue rheas are heading for the coast after sightings of the birds near Happisburgh.

READ MORE: Mob of wild rheas marauding the streets of Stalham

David Mole, chair of Happisburgh Parish Council, said news of the birds’ arrival in Happisburgh is “alarming”.

“It is rather alarming that these wild birds, far from their native South America, have escaped and are roaming our quiet villages,” he said.

"They are reported to be up to five foot tall. Let us hope they can all be peacefully recaptured and put in a secure paddock.

“I read that there is a feral population in Northern Germany. I am sure we do not want any more introduced species in our delicate Broadland habitat.”

READ MORE: Norfolk villagers warned to lookout for gang of missing rheas

In a reply to a request for information about the whereabouts of the missing rheas, one Facebook user reported seeing one of the birds, which are distantly related to ostriches and emus, on Happisburgh Common Road on Friday morning.

However, it is believed the bird disappeared down a public footpath near a horse field before an attempt to catch the creature could be made.

Twelve rheas escaped the Stalham farm on Common Road in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

They are believed to have forced their way out of their enclosure, with residents in Lyndford Road waking up to find them in their gardens and marauding through the streets.

AS RSPCA spokesperson said: “Rheas are large birds and have the potential to be dangerous as they are strong, fast and have sharp claws.

“We would not recommend that anyone attempt to restrain or catch a rhea themselves, as these birds are able to kick in any direction and may kick out if they feel threatened.”