Jan. 31 was just another day at the Pittsburgh Zoo when an ostrich fell through a partially frozen moat in its enclosure. She was struggling to get out, as it was obviously super cold, and these flightless birds aren't exactly champion swimmers.
A team of zookeepers did their best to steer her to the edge of the moat using poles and branches, but unfortunately, it wasn't working out. That's when Jesse Anna, now known as Ostrich Hero, slunk into the water to help the ostrich, reported The Mirror. His legs were fully submerged in the icy depths for almost two minutes!
Passer-by Alek Beech filmed the encounter and uploaded it to his YouTube channel, where it has since gone viral.
"We were trying to guide her with the poles, back to the shallower part where she'd be able to get back out again. The ice kind of prevented her from going back the whole way, and when she hit it, she kind of freaked out a little bit and headed for the deep spot," said Anna, according to CBS Pittsburgh.
Because his pole got pulled into the water by the distressed bird, Anna hopped in. "I knew it was going to be cold. So I kind of got in and did what had to be done," he said, according to CBS Pittsburgh.
Watch the full interview below, and look out for the happy rescued ostrich doing a dance for the camera in the background!
