Watching emu chicks at play and at rest is entertaining as well as educational. They have very frenetic outbursts, but then settle down for a little discussion.
Midnight/morning feeds with little marsupials often means I am able to watch parliamentary question time. I’m glad this ‘show’ isn’t on TV in family viewing time as the lack of manners by some is appalling! Oh that they could listen to each other as intently as Esmerelda, Skip and Dodgem! When these birds gather together for a conference it is a very serious business!
Though these chicks have meant a lot of extra work for carer, Sylvia, they have been a never-ending source of joy. This week they return to their home area to continue their rehabilitation. Travelling overnight minimizes stress, as they sit down and sleep all night in their cosy box. They are also smart enough not to emerge until the warmth of the day arrives.
As the eggs incubate for a long 56 days, so the young take a long time to reach maturity. They are two months old before stripey down is replaced by exquisite, unique feathers. This too is when they can finally regulate their temperature. Though their days are spent racing around paddocks from when they are very little, it is many months after this before they are ready to be introduced to the wild.
As with so many of our native animals, they don’t receive the same respect and admiration from Australians as they do from overseas. There are numerous emu farms in America and it is quite a popular business to breed emus. It is not ideal to see them so taken for granted by many here, but elsewhere across the world they are viewed as very special and unique.
These three will not be forgotten, I’m sure!
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au