A recent series of excavations in the area surrounding Orzola, in the north of Lanzarote, has uncovered the fossilized eggs of a bird related to the ostrich, which lived on the island between 5 and 6 million years ago during the Miocene period.

The discovery has led scientists from the Catalan Institute of Paleontology to speculate that possibly Lanzarote originated as part of the African continent, because by the Miocene period these birds had already lost the ability to fly, suggesting that the island then became separated from the land mass that forms Africa. This theory is also strengthened by the fact that although there are similarities, the remains of the birds found on Lanzarote are distinct from the African ostrich.

At present, paleontologists are continuing to study the fossils that have been discovered. But there may well be an opportunity for fossil enthusiasts to study these remains in the future, according to the councillor for the Historic Patrimony of Lanzarote at the Cabildo, Sr Juan Antonio de la Hoz.