Emus on the Run in Horry County, South Carolina
Horry County, South Carolina, is currently dealing with an unusual situation as two emus have escaped from their owner’s property. The birds, named Thelma and Louise, are on the loose approximately three hours north of Beaufort County, where a separate animal escape involving monkeys occurred just days earlier.
Details of the Escape
The escape of Thelma and Louise was reported by the Horry County Police Department in a playful Facebook post stating, “We are not emu-sed.” This indicates both a sense of humor regarding the situation and reassurance to the community. The police confirmed they are aware of the emus’ escape and are in contact with their owner, Sam Morace, to assist in locating the animals. The police emphasized that there is no risk to residents, stating, “There is no risk to the community associated with the emus at this time.”
Owner’s Perspective
Morace shared the backstory of the emus’ adventurous escape, indicating it happened when they attempted to move one of the birds to a different paddock. “They decided they wanted to hop the fence when we were trying to grab one of them,” she explained. Morace noted that they have been missing for about three months and described them as feral and not trained like her other emus. She reported that attempts to capture them are ongoing, including the need to secure a tranquilizer for the birds.
Physical Characteristics
Emus are the second-largest birds in the world, reaching heights of over 5 ½ feet and weighing more than 130 pounds. These flightless creatures are not native to the United States and are typically found only in Australia. Their size and strength create complications in capturing them, drawing attention from local residents who expressed concern and suggested potential solutions on social media.
Community Reaction
The public has actively engaged with Morace’s situation, with several community members reporting potential sightings. One resident commented on seeing an emu near a fire station but noted it vanished before they could take a picture. Such anecdotal encounters have sparked discussions among residents, with some possibly viewing it as a novelty.
Comparison to Recent Monkey Escape
The emus’ escape follows closely behind a more extensive animal escape involving 43 monkeys from a medical research facility in Beaufort County. After a caretaker failed to secure the enclosure properly, a portion of the rhesus macaques escaped, though many have since been recaptured. The timing of these two incidents has heightened interest and concern within the community.
Moving Forward
As the chase for Thelma and Louise continues, local authorities and Morace are actively planning strategies to reinstate the emus safely. With community support and police involvement, there is cautious optimism that these adventurous birds will soon be back in their paddock.
This series of animal escapes also serves as a reminder of the responsibilities involved in caring for exotic animals and securing their enclosures appropriately.
