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EMU

Species: Dromaius novaehollandiae

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Standing at 150-190cm and weighing in at up to 65kgs, Emus are the world’s second tallest bird, and third heaviest. They are a flightless species- however they do have small wings which they use to cool themselves. Their feathers are quite remarkable, as they are ‘double shafted’, meaning that 2 feathers grow from one follicle. This gives Emus their ‘shaggy’ appearance. Male emus have a blue head and throat, whereas females have only a blue ‘ear’. They have powerful longs legs, with large, 3 toed-feet, and can reach speeds of up to 50km/h.

Diet

Emus are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of grasses, herbage, caterpillars and grasshoppers. They will also ingest pebbles to aid in digestion.

Social organisation and Reproduction

Emus may live in flocks, pairs or individually, and do not have any sort of structural hierarchy.

Breeding season is from April to November, during which time females may mate with several males. Emus will build flat bed nests, and lay an average of about 9 dark green eggs. After a female has laid her eggs, it is up to the male to incubate and raise the chicks. The female will then leave and join another flock and find another mate. Males incubate the eggs for 8 weeks, and will raise the chicks for up to 2 years.

FIND OUT MORE
OUR ANIMAL FAMILY
ANIMAL FACTS

EMU

GROUP NAME

Flock

Native To

Australia

SIZE

150-190cm tall and weighing in at up to 65kgs

BABY NAME

Chick or Hatchling

Habitat

Emus are native to most of Australia, excluding Tasmania. They most commonly inhabit grassy plains, open woodland, arid inland plains, tropical woodland, heathland, and coastal dunes.

Did You Know?

Emu eggs weigh an average of 700g each!

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

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Kangaroo Island Kangaroo

Like other Kangaroo species, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos live in mobs consisting of a dominant male, several adult females and subordinate males, and joeys.

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Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby

Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies live in colonies of up to 100 individuals, consisting of smaller groups with a dominant male, females and sub-dominant males.

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EMU

Emus are the world’s second tallest bird, and third heaviest. They are a flightless species- however they do have small wings which they use to cool themselves.

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SOUTHERN HAIRY-NOSED WOMBAT

Affectionately known as ‘bulldozers of the bush’, wombats create remarkably large burrow. These underground homes offer perfect protection from extreme climates and predators, ensuring their safety year-round.

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Dingo

Dingoes do not bark as is the case with domestic dogs. The alpha male and female will usually be the only breeding pair in the pack, with other subordinate members assisting in the rearing of pups.

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Penguin

Little Penguins live in colonies that can have hundreds of members ashore at one time. From June-August, males will come ashore and renovate old burrows or dig new ones.

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GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOO

Glossy black cockatoos are among Australia’s rarest. When a chick emerges from its tree hollow, it’s a significant moment not just for the proud parents but for the entire species

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Echidna

Short-beaked Echidnas belong to a unique group of mammals called Monotremes. Apart from echidnas, the only other animal in the world that belongs to this group is the Platypus.

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Wombat

Common Wombats are a short, robust marsupial native to south-east Australia and Tasmania

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KOALA

Koalas are not a bear, but are in fact a marsupial. Koalas have thick fur that ranges from very light to very dark grey on the head and body, with white patching on the bottom, chest and ears.

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WOODSWALLOW

Extremely social birds, woodswallows are uniquely known for perching closely together as a flock. This behaviour not only strengthens social bonds but also conserves energy and retains warmth through the night.

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Cassowary

Southern Cassowaries are solitary birds, coming together only during breeding season from July-September

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Kookaburra

Laughing Kookaburras are very territorial and sedentary, usually living in small family groups which co-operate in raising young and protecting territory

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Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devils are primarily solitary animals, living in territories that may intersect other individual’s territories. Each territory will have 3-4 dens, which can be utilised for years, especially by females with young.

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Quokka

Often called “the happiest animal in the world”, Quokkas are a small marsupial related to Kangaroos

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Lorikeet

Calling all bird lovers to our walk through Lorikeet enclosure. Enjoy our stunning Lorikeets flying around and possibly even landing on you!

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