To be sure, Seattle has long suffered from a mild case of ostrich syndrome.

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Aloe vera and emu oil, extracted from the fat on the backs of the ostrich-like birds, have been used as soothing anti-inflammatory agents for years.

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Meanwhile, popular family restaurant chain Buffalo Grill, which has 215 outlets in France, is looking to increase its exotic selection of meats such as buffalo and ostrich, having removed beef ribs from its eateries.

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As its name would suggest, the restaurant serves cuts of prime beef, but goes beyond the typical steak with regional fare such as tender ostrich fillet, marinated venison and South African kingklip (cusk eel imported from the coast).

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Ian Usher, 44, originally from Darlington but now living in Australia, will also take the plunge dressed as an ostrich.

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