In recent news from Lincolnshire, England, an emu, originally from Australia and known as the national bird, was reported to have escaped from its owner and has been wandering outside. Emus are one of the largest bird species in the world, second only to ostriches. Authorities in the area have urged the public not to chase the emu in cars to prevent startling the large bird, which could lead to potential dangers for both the emu and people around it.
According to a Facebook post by Lincolnshire Police on November 18th, there have been sightings of the escaped emu in the Spilsby area over the past few weeks. The National Exotics Animal Rescue Service has been called in to handle the situation and coordinate efforts to capture the emu safely.
Efforts to feed the emu in order to gain its trust have been futile as some individuals have been driving all-terrain vehicles in pursuit of the bird, which could further agitate it. Authorities have warned that provoking the emu in this manner could potentially lead it onto roads with oncoming vehicles, posing a risk of harm to the emu and others.
The public has been advised to keep a safe distance from the emu to allow the National Exotics Animal Rescue Service personnel to carry out their work effectively. In a somewhat lighthearted gesture, the police in Lincolnshire shared a photo of the emu with its face digitally superimposed in dark coloring, prompting jokes from netizens about “protecting its identity.”
Meanwhile, in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, the local animal control department also took to Facebook on November 18th to alert residents about another escaped emu in the eastern part of the village. They requested vigilance from the public and urged anyone with information about the emu or its owner to contact the department.
Emus and ostriches, although resembling each other at first glance, have notable differences upon closer inspection. The Director of Hsinchu City Zoo, Yang Chuyuan, shared key distinguishing features between the two species. Ostriches have bare necks, two toes, larger size, and distinct black and white feather colors. On the other hand, emus have feather-covered necks, three toes, slightly smaller size, and predominantly grayish feathers.
Emus, being omnivorous, primarily feed on plants and fruits but occasionally consume small insects. They are recognized as the national bird of Australia and hold significance in the country’s heritage alongside kangaroos. Emus, as stated by National Geographic, are flightless birds with powerful legs that enable them to run at speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.
After a female emu lays eggs, the male emu she mates with will spend approximately seven weeks incubating the eggs. During this period, the male emu refrains from eating, drinking, defecating, or leaving the nest. He also cares for the newborn emus for up to four months until they can feed themselves.
Humans rear emus for their meat and eggs, with one emu egg being enough to make a substantial omelet for 4 to 6 adults. This highlights the value of emus in the culinary world and their role in agriculture.