[The circadian rhythm of African ostriches (Struthio camelus) in captivity].

One hundred and twenty ostriches, kept as domestic animals on a farm in Israel were observed. Three behaviour categories were recorded: standing/walking, sitting/lying and eating/drinking. The animals spent more than 60% of the day standing and walking; activities with a non-life preserving function. Before we begin with the husbandry of ostriches in central Europe the behaviour needs of the animals must be determined. Only then can we assess whether the welfare of the animals is compatible with the method of animal husbandry we imagine for central Europe.