Nandu Longbottom captured again after a month in Wolfenbüttel!

Nandu Longbottom captured again after a month in Wolfenbüttel!

After a remarkable adventure, rhea “Longbottom” returns gently to its enclosure in Heiningen, Wolfenbüttel district. The ratite escaped from its enclosure on May 18th and remained missing for almost four weeks. On June 17, 2025, at around 12 p.m., its owner discovered the animal nearby.

Longbottom's return was widely supported. Road maintenance staff and local residents helped to recapture the rhea, which proved elusive due to its speed of up to 60 kilometers per hour. The search was previously intensified through various measures, including drone operations, but without success until the sighting finally occurred in a wheat field.

Search challenges

Despite extensive searches, including calls for help from the police and the owner herself, the rhea was rarely seen during its absence. The residents around the Oderwald reported some sightings, but these remained inaccurate and did not contribute to a quick location.

The owner had warned in advance not to approach the rhea. The bird could defend itself if it felt threatened. This highlights the potential challenges not only in finding but also in returning such an animal to its enclosure.

Owners of rheas and other pets are often surprised by the speed and agility of these flightless birds. Be it in the wild or in your own enclosure – solid and safe accommodation is essential. Nandu Longbottom has impressively demonstrated this and is now hopefully happy in his home again.

For further details on the history of the rheas and the return, see the reports from NDR and RegionalToday be consulted.