Florida deputies had anything but a routine day on Sunday when they were called to rescue an unexpected escapee — not a dog, cat, or even gator, but a full-grown emu.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando responded to a report around 1:00 p.m. on July 20 about a large bird “wandering around a pond.” That bird turned out to be an emu that had escaped from a nearby farm after slipping out of a fenced area.
Deputies were able to corral the animal safely, gave it some water, and waited with the emu until its owners arrived to take it back home. Photos shared by the sheriff’s office show two officers posing with the flightless bird outside a garage.
“Our deputies probably weren’t expecting to wrangle an emu when they showed up for work — but this just proves they’re ready for anything,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
The office also shared the lighthearted moment on Facebook, captioning it, “Cat in a tree? Nope. Our deputies rescued this emu, who escaped from its house.”
According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, emus are the world’s second-largest bird, averaging around 5 feet 7 inches in height. Females can weigh up to 132 pounds. Native to Australia, emus are flightless but fast runners and are known for their adaptability to environments ranging from forests to deserts.
Not the First Emu on the Run
This isn’t the first time an emu has caused a stir in the U.S. In April, an injured emu was spotted about 50 miles north of San Diego. The San Diego Humane Society responded, rescued the bird, and treated injuries to its neck and wing. Named “Claudius,” the emu was placed on a 72-hour stray hold while officials searched for its owner.
Despite their size and odd appearance, emus are generally docile and can live for up to a decade or more, especially in captivity.
As for Florida’s wayward bird, deputies confirmed it’s back home safe — no feathers ruffled.
