Emu

(Dromaius novaehollandiae)

Ollie and Fran arrived in 1997.

• Emus are native to Australia, commonly found in sclerophyll forests and savanna woodlands. They eat fruits, flowers, insects, seeds, and vegetation, and swallow stones to aid digestion. They need frequent water.
• Weighing between 60 to 120 pounds, emus are flightless birds in the Ratite family, which includes ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, tinamous, and kiwis. They have rudimentary wings and three toes adapted for running, reaching speeds of up to 30 mph and striding nine feet.
• Emus live 5 to 10 years in the wild and longer in captivity.
• While their overall population is stable, local emu populations face threats from habitat loss, feral dogs, and other issues.