Gladiator

The ostrich is listed as an endangered species by the USFWS. They once roamed through Arabia, Asia, and Africa. Now they are only found in the wild in Africa.

In ancient times, they were used in Roman gladiator arenas - to pull chariots, to ride upon, and to fight the gladiators. Quite a few gladiators met their end facing off against these birds. Like chickens, though, when decapitated, the ostrich is still able to run around and wreak havoc (their brains are smaller than their eyes). That undoubtedly provided some entertainment for the fans visiting the arenas.

Photo courtesy: Franz