Edinburgh Zoo have today confirmed that Cherry the Scarlet ibis has been safely caught and returned to the Zoo.
The Zoo were inundated with calls last week from locals as Cherry had set up home at Silverknowes Beach. Zoo staff spent days sitting in the area waiting on the bird to come down from the trees, their patience paid off and on Sunday and she was recaptured.
Colin Oulton, Team Leader of the bird section at Edinburgh Zoo, Said:
“It’s really quite surprising how far the Scarlet ibis flew, eventually ending up at the shore at Cramond. Being flock birds, you would expect them to stay quite close to the rest of the flock.
“During her time away from the Zoo, the escapee bird took to perching in places that made it a tad more difficult to recapture her, so we had to wait for the best time to make our move. We always knew that it wouldn’t be a straightforward or easy task to recapture her, and that it would take a little time and patience…and luckily it paid off, as we were able to do just that after a few attempts to encourage her towards a carry box with some mussels and prawns.
“The bird has been quite relaxed about the whole thing, choosing to stay in the Cramond area probably as it is quite close to the seashore. The ibis will have been able to go down onto the mudflats and most likely catch food for herself.
“I would definitely say that she has a curious nature and I’m sure she has a great story to tell the rest of the Scarlet ibis flock when she returns to them later this week. Although she seems to be in perfect health, we’re just carrying out some routine tests, and after four to five days in quarantine, she’ll be reunited with the other birds after her mini adventure across Edinburgh.”
Watch our video below of Cherry avoiding recapture.
