White Rock is Toronto’s most famous ostrich farm, home to three types of ostriches: Black, Blue, and Red. Here, visitors can meet and even touch these fascinating birds face-to-face. Learn more on toronto.name.
Why Visit the Farm?
Seeing large ostriches is a rare and unique experience in this part of the world! Torontonians love visiting White Rock because it truly brings joy and smiles to both adults and children.
Friendly guides at the ostrich farm take visitors to the incubation room, where the smallest chicks can be seen, some just a few days old. Guests are allowed to feed the birds and meet the breeder’s family. The knowledgeable guides are always ready to answer any questions about these extraordinary creatures! Additionally, the farm cares for various domestic animals, which visitors are welcome to photograph.
White Rock also boasts a wonderful garden where locals often buy fresh vegetables for their families. Guests can purchase ostrich-related items, including toys, lotions, soaps, and leather goods—perfect souvenirs for everyone. You can also try ostrich meat during your visit.
About Ostriches: Characteristics and Diet on the Farm
Ostriches are the largest, tallest, and heaviest birds on Earth. They belong to the ratite group, which includes flightless birds such as emus, rheas, cassowaries, and kiwis.
Ostriches have long necks, massive legs, small flattened heads, and short, rounded beaks. Their large eyes, framed by thick black lashes, are particularly striking. Unique among birds, they have two toes, with one larger toe featuring a claw. Males and females have distinct appearances. Males’ plumage is predominantly black, with white tail and flight feathers that are loosely curved. Females are smaller with grayish-brown plumage.
- Females: Height: 1.7–2 m; Weight: 90–110 kg
- Males: Height: 1.8–2.8 m; Weight: 100–160 kg
The Southern Ostrich (Struthio camelus australis) is native to southern Africa, inhabiting semi-arid savannahs and treeless areas. They generally live in mixed groups of 5–50 individuals but are occasionally solitary.
At White Rock, ostriches are fed hard, dry leaves, pumpkins, and fruits. While primarily herbivorous, they are somewhat omnivorous and consume small invertebrates as well.
Ostriches are polygamous, with each male having a group of 3–5 hens. The dominant male defends a territory of 2–15 square kilometers, mates with a primary hen, and may also mate with other females in the area. Their courtship and mating behaviors are complex. Males crouch on their knees, moving their wings and head in elaborate displays, while females respond by walking with lowered heads and fluttering their wings.
Ostrich eggs are 15–20 cm in size and weigh 1.6 kg—only 1/60th the weight of the female. This makes them the largest eggs of any bird species. Males incubate the eggs at night, with hens taking short turns during the day. The incubation period lasts about 42 days, and both parents help raise the chicks. Males often protect and teach the young how to forage.
With powerful legs, ostriches can sprint at speeds of up to 80 km/h and cover 2.2–2.8 meters per stride, making them formidable defenders against predators. A single kick from a male can kill a lion. Their well-developed thigh muscles also play a role in their courtship dances. Additionally, ostriches have excellent vision, with 5 cm-wide eyes roughly the size of tennis balls.
Farm Tours
White Rock Ostrich Farm is located just 40 minutes from Toronto. Visitors can choose between a walking tour or a hayride around the picturesque farm. The tour includes viewing baby ostriches, feeding year-old chicks, and interacting with adult ostriches of the Redneck, Blueneck, and African Black breeds, guided by knowledgeable staff.
During each tour, visitors learn about daily life on the farm and fascinating facts about ostriches. Tickets cost just $7 per adult, with an additional $3 for ostrich feed. Tours are offered on weekends only, up until October 31. The farm operates on a cash-only basis, so don’t forget to bring cash if you plan to visit White Rock.
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