Oudtshoorn in the context of "Western Cape"

Ostriches are large flightless birds. Two living species are recognised; the common ostrich, native to large parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Somali ostrich, native to the Horn of Africa.

They are the heaviest and largest living birds, with adult common ostriches weighing anywhere between 63.5 and 145 kilograms and laying the largest eggs of any living land animal. With the ability to run at 70 km/h (43.5 mph), they are the fastest birds on land. They are farmed worldwide, with significant industries in the Philippines and in Namibia. South Africa produces about 70% of global ostrich products, with the industry largely centered around the town of Oudtshoorn. Ostrich leather is a lucrative commodity, and the large feathers are used as plumes for the decoration of ceremonial headgear. Ostrich eggs and meat have been used by humans for millennia. Ostrich oil is another product that is made using ostrich fat.

The Little Karoo, also known as the Klein Karoo, is a region in the south of the Western Cape province where ostrich farming was formerly practiced on a large scale. The area extends more or less from the Langeberg to the Swartberg. The Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains form the southern border of the area, the Swartberg the northern border. The main town is Oudtshoorn. Other towns/settlements in the area include:Ladismith, Calitzdorp, De Rust, as well as well-known mission stations such as Zoar, Amaliënstein, Barrydale and Dysselsdorp. Uniondale is the easternmost point of the area.

The area is mainly drained by the Gourits River, via its tributary the Olifants River. There are five island mountains in the region:Anysberg, Warmwaterberg, Touwsberg, Rooiberg, Gamkaberg, Kammanassieberg and Antoniesberg.

The Highgate Ostrich Show Farm is an ostrich farm located 10 kilometres south of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, South Africa.

This large farm specializes in the breeding of ostriches and is open to visitors providing specialized information about the various stages of the birds development, provided with the opportunity to visit young offspring and an ostrich pen.