Emus Escape in South Carolina Amid Ongoing Animal Search
Beaufort County, SC
Two large emus have escaped in South Carolina, adding another chapter to a bizarre series of animal escapes in the state. The emus, named Thelma and Louise, went missing approximately three hours north of their owner’s residence in Horry County. This incident comes shortly after the escape of several monkeys from a nearby facility.
Details of the Escape
This incident was reported by the Horry County Police Department, which shared details on their social media page, stating, “We are not emu-sed.” Officials confirmed that they have been in contact with the emus’ owner, Sam Morace, who is actively seeking assistance to recapture them. According to police, “There is no risk to the community associated with the emus at this time.”
Owner’s Account
Morace explained that the emus decided to “hop the fence” while she was attempting to move one to a separate paddock. “So she didn’t like that,” Morace remarked, referring to one of the emus. Both birds are now living in the wild, as Morace stated in a message on Friday, “They are feral and not trained like the ones we have at the house.” The escape occurred three months ago, and attempts to capture them have not yet been successful.
Local Community Engagement
Morace reached out to the community on social media, thanking them for their concerns and updating them on the search for Thelma and Louise. The owner mentioned plans to obtain a tranquilizer to help catch them, saying, “If the emus were that easy to catch they would be home already.” In light of the escape, Morace also warned that the emus could be unpredictable, having previously defended themselves against wild dogs.
What Are Emus?
Emus are large, flightless birds native to Australia, making their presence in South Carolina quite unusual. They stand over 5 1/2 feet tall and can weigh more than 130 pounds. With their strong legs and robust bodies, they are capable of running at high speeds, making them difficult to catch once they are on the loose.
Community Response
The local community has been responsive to Morace’s plight, with some members claiming to have spotted the birds. One eyewitness commented, “I was pretty shocked and so was the wife. Like is that an emu next to the fire station?” indicating the surprise of seeing an emu in a suburban area.
Connection to Recent Monkey Escape
This latest animal escape follows closely on the heels of a significant incident involving 43 monkeys that escaped from a research facility in Beaufort County. The monkeys broke free after a caretaker failed to properly secure their enclosure, leading to a multi-agency effort to recapture them.
Current Status
As of now, the search for Thelma and Louise continues, with local law enforcement and the community vigilant in their efforts to locate the emus. Morace’s updates indicate cooperation with police, working to ensure the birds are safely returned home.
Conclusion
While animal escapes can often be fleeting events, the case of Thelma and Louise serves as a reminder of the curious occurrences that can arise in everyday life. As the search continues, South Carolina remains on alert for these unusual avian fugitives.
