Belfast Zoo welcomes 'two magnificent emus'

Belfast Zoo says it is thrilled to announce the arrival of "two magnificent emus". The birds are native to Australia and from the second largest living bird species in the world.

They can reach speeds of up to 30mph in the wild and are known for their distinctive long legs and striking blue skin.

Visitors can now experience the fascinating creatures, who are yet to be named, in the former elephant habitat which has been transformed to create an Australia habitat.

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The zoo says its new arrivals, with their playful personalities and curious nature, are expected to be a big hit with visitors of all ages, and add to its diverse collection of Australian animals amid ongoing efforts to promote conservation and raise awareness of species from around the globe

Belfast Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns, said: "We are excited to introduce emus to our visitors.

"These unique birds are an incredible addition to the zoo’s collection, and we hope that their presence will not only captivate visitors but also help further educate visitors about the diverse wildlife of Australia."

The emus have settled into the Animals of Australia habitat and can be seen roaming around their new home which mimics their natural habitat of open, grassy plains.

As part of the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare, they added that the emus’ new home is designed to provide plenty of space for the birds to move freely and engage in natural behaviour. In addition to the emus, the Animals of Australia habitat also features other species native to the region, including kangaroos and wallabies.

Emus are large flightless birds endemic to Australia. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 130 pounds. Emus are known for their impressive running speed, reaching up to 30 miles per hour.

While emus are not currently endangered, their habitat faces threats from climate change and human activity. As part of their conservation efforts, Belfast Zoo works to educate the public on the importance of protecting wildlife and supporting sustainable habitats for all species.

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