PETALING JAYA, June 18 — Thursday’s “Road Runner” ostrich episode got the creative juices of several major corporations flowing.
Each are vying to outdo the other on how best to incorporate the flightless bird into their promotional campaigns, making the runaway ostrich, Chickaboo, a celebrity in its own right.
Among the first companies to see the bird’s potential was Huawei, which created an advertisement featuring the runaway ostrich and the words: “Focus faster than a feathered fugitive.”
Domino’s Pizza released an ad featuring the ostrich rushing home to break fast, with text that read: “Why was that ostrich running along the Federal? It wanted to get home to break fast after getting two pizzas for RM27.”
Budget airline Firefly took a more simple approach using a silhouette of an ostrich with the tagline: “Why be seen on the road when you can fly?”
Curry powder manufacturer Baba’s featured a doctored image of Chickaboo racing towards Kuala Lumpur with the words: “When I’m craving for curry and mom says we are out of Baba’s curry powder.”
Telecommunications provider Digi went with an ostrich against a yellow background and text reading: “To all you guys rushing back home (especially on the Federal Highway), we hope you get to your destination safely.”
The runaway ostrich was first spotted at 3pm running from Universiti Malaya towards the Angkasapuribuilding after escaping from its handler, Darren Chow.
During its nearly one-and-a-half-hour run, Chickaboo caused considerable disruption to traffic as motorists slowed down to record the bird with their mobile phones.
Others alerted the authorities and the plucky bird proceeded to play cat-and-mouse with personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department who were assisting Chow to secure the animal.
Chickaboo’s flight of freedom was finally ended at 4.15pm when it was cornered by two members of the public.
A video of Chickaboo’s run of fame went viral on social media, with many poking fun at the uncommon sight of the large bird doing 35kph on a major highway and its antics in avoiding capture.
Many made reference to the popular 1950s cartoon, The Road Runner, with Muhd Azmin Azmi posting: “Road Runner, the coyote is after you, beep beep (the character’s signature sound)” and Nik Mohd Ezwan: “Beware road runner ... coyote is setting TNT in front.”
Oscar Tena commented the authorities must have been laughing so hard they were unable to chase the bird, while An Nas Suleiman said the ostrich had lead the authorities on a “wild goose chase”.
Others thanked the two men who rescued Chickaboo and expressed concern for the ostrich’s safety.
Dr Suresh Kumar posted: “Bravo to the two heroes who saved this big bird,” while Vijay47 wrote “Even though Chickaboo ended up being a captive again, it was safe and sound despite doing a mini-marathon along the Federal Highway.”
There were also some speculation the whole incident may have been a publicity stunt.
