The Animals

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Status:  Good.

Diet in wild:  Fruit, seeds, and insects.

Life span in wild:  5 to 10 years.

Weight:  110 pounds average.

Native habitat:  Australian bush.

Black Pine Animal Park

1426 W. 300 N.

P.O. Box 02

Albion, IN 46701

(260) 636-7383

©2008 Professional Animal Retirement Center, Inc.

 Emu

This mid-size ostrich-like bird is native to Australia, and is called an 'Emu', pronounced "EE-mew".

With a brain the size of a pea, this is a pretty amazing bird.  Although it cannot fly, it can reach ground speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

The emu, as well as it's American cousin, the rhea, and it's relative, the African ostrich, is a valued animal in the marketplace. Today, these birds are raised for their meat, feathers, and skin (or leather).  The emu also emits a valuable oil from it's skin, called 'emu oil' that is used as a base for many cosmetic and other skin products.  Black Pine's emus were formerly owned by an emu farmer who wanted a permanent refuge for them when he quit the business.

Visitors to Black Pine often marvel at the unusual bass vocal sound these large creatures make.   Various leafy plants, fruits, vegetables, and grain make up their diet.

Click here to learn more about emus.