EMU
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Emus are a very large, native Australian bird that
cannot fly. They are in the same family as the African ostrich and the South American
rhea. Emus are the world's second largest living bird and have survived 80 million years
in Australia where they are found in the deserts, forests and on the plains. An adult emu stands 5 to 6 feet tall, weigh up to 150 lbs. and live nearly 30 years. Emus can run up to 60 kilometres an hour for short distances and their stride is about 9 feet. Emus eat a simple diet but require alot of water, drinking 2 to 4 gallons daily. They also will play in water or mud. Emus are curious and docile, but they have a very sharp center claw on very powerful legs, so you must be careful around them. Some farmers are allowed to raise emus and we get low fat gourmet meat, leather, emu eggs and oil. Emu oil is used in cosmetics and in the treatment of muscle and joint pains such as arthritis. There are several emu at Ettamogah and they're waiting for you to come and feed them! |