Last week while doing a few hours on the WILVOs 5441 6200 Hotline I had a lovely call from a gentleman out near Blackall who said that WILVOS was his first port of call for all wildlife situations. He was so appreciative of the help received and after moving down here next month is going to join up and learn how to care for native animals. That is always so rewarding to hear.
So as the name of WILVOS is spread far and wide, the saga of the emus continued! I was reassured once again that the male was not yet sitting on the eggs, and that they just needed incubation for the 50+ days. The mining company said they would transport the eggs down to me, and transport the chicks back to a wildlife carer once hatched and settled enough to travel.
Meanwhile, carer Sylvia and husband Bob were having a well-deserved holiday and were on their way back from up north. Aha, just in time to transport the precious eggs. They were in the right place at the right time. The first day on the road and a noise began emanating from one of the eggs. Yes, an emu chick was pecking and fighting his way out of the very strong eggshell. So much for the male not yet sitting on the clutch of eggs!
Needless to say those eggs were never delivered to me! We wildlife carers find it very difficult to part with animals after they’ve been in our care for a few hours. It is also best for the animals as they are wild creatures, and it takes very little to stress them, even though they are expert at not showing it.
I was awarded visiting rights yesterday and it was a joy to see the three ‘little’ chicks going crazy as only emu chicks can. Their activity is a combination of run/dance/jump/swerve and it is not a surprise that one is called ‘Dodgem’. After looking after cassowary, ostrich (yes, non-native!) and emu chicks, first prize definitely goes to the emus. They are the most hilarious of the three huge flightless bird species!
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au