The Ramat Gan Safari enjoys many visitors during Hanukkah, who come to participate in such fun activities as feeding the animals and hearing stories about the safari occupants.
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However, workers had an unpleasant incident Sunday, when one of the caretakers noticed that a male ostrich was behaving strangely. Upon approaching the bird, he saw that there was an unusually large object stuck in its throat.
Realizing that the bird was in danger, the caretaker alerted Dr. Elad Smit, a staff veterinarian, who rushed to the scene to remove the object.
Video: Chen Chaimovich
It turned out to be an apple, which was stuck in the bird's throat, obstructing its breathing.
Due to the miraculous save that coincided with the last night of Hanukkah, the safari decided to rename the bird Nissim (Hebrew for "miracles").
Safari workers said the apple was most likely given by a visitor outside a supervised feeding activity.
"Even fruits or vegetables that seem natural for the animal to eat can endanger their lives," one worker said, stressing that feeding the animals at the safari was prohibited.
"The safari has a certified animal nutritionist, and the menu is carefully examined and well maintained by dedicated caregivers," he assured.
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