The Mystical Emu
In elementary school, my family surprised my sister and I with a trip to Walt Disney World to celebrate the start of winter break. In the nights leading up to our departure, I would fall asleep dreaming of exploring Epcot, sipping on mystical butterbeer, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Booing my way up to Cinderella’s Castle. Having never visited Florida before, I was enchanted by the stories my friends shared about the warm, lush weather and palm trees lining every street. The entire experience felt like a dream come true, and I couldn’t wait to step into this magical world.
The big day had finally arrived—it was time to fly to Florida! With my mom’s help, I had packed my small floral suitcase full to the brim with shorts, tank tops, and colorful graphic tees, a cheerful switch from the jeans and sweatshirts I had been wearing in the chilly Virginia weather. Wanting to make a lasting impression in our family photos, I even included my nicest sandals! Bags in hand, we headed to Reagan National Airport, weaving through security and the bustling crowds. Once settled at our gate, I chatted with my parents about the attractions we were eager to visit and the insightful recommendations I had gathered. Time flew by, and before I knew it, my sister and I were sitting next to each other on the plane, scribbling in our travel journals. Bouncing ideas back and forth, we created a to-do list that resembled a grown-up itinerary, entertaining each other the whole way to Florida.
When we touched down, I could feel the warm breeze brush my shoulders through the jet bridge, and I was ecstatic to make my way outside. After retrieving our bags from the baggage claim, we made our way outdoors to catch our transportation to the hotel. I remember gazing out the window during the ride, taking in the stark geographic contrast between Florida and Virginia, and wondering about the people who lived there. As we pulled into our hotel, located in a more rural part of Orlando, I noticed the trees surrounding the area and the large parking lot. Our cozy room would be our home for the week. Exhausted from the early morning flight and the long night spent packing, my parents suggested we all take a nap before heading out for the day, and my sister and I reluctantly agreed.
After a few hours had passed, my sister and I grew restless and wanted nothing more than to throw on our sneakers and run outside the hotel. With our parents’ permission, we donned our bright Justice brand clothes and scurried down the stairs, skipping the elevator altogether. Excited to loiter in the parking lot until our parents were ready, we suddenly noticed that the magic of Disney World was extending its offerings. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a large, majestic creature walking gracefully near the main road, still within our hotel’s vicinity. Startled, I pointed it out to my sister, sparking her curiosity as well. She suggested we get closer, so we approached the unusual being with open minds and eager hearts.
As we neared our target, we realized that there was not one, but two of these special animals. They had long, lanky legs, a wide, feather-filled upper body, and a hunched-over appearance. Now only a couple of feet away, we were able to identify them as large birds—specifically, Emus. To our luck, the two creatures were actually wild Emus who had somehow wandered into the area where we were staying. At the time, my sister and I knew little about emus, but this eventful sighting propelled us into extensive research following our encounter.
The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large, flightless bird native to Australia, standing nearly 6 feet tall and weighing up to 120 pounds. It is the second-largest bird in the world, after the Ostrich, and is related to the Cassowary. Emus are fast runners, reaching speeds of 30 miles per hour, and both sexes have brownish plumage with a dark gray head and neck. They live in small flocks, foraging for fruits and insects, but sometimes damage crops. Emus mate for life, with males incubating 7 to 10 large green eggs for about 60 days. Despite some subspecies being extinct, the common Emu population is stable with over 630,000 adults.
Today, Emu sightings continue to captivate and lighten people’s days, largely due to the sheer size, beauty, and unique charm of these extraordinary birds. Standing six feet tall with striking, soft brown feathers, Emus are a marvel to spot, especially in places where they aren’t native. Their unexpected appearances often stir up excitement, as seen in recent famous cases. For instance, a runaway emu spotted in Roanoke, Virginia, in August 2024 made headlines when the police department posted, “Is this your EMU?” on social media, sparking a flood of jokes and memes from the community. Similarly, North Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania, saw a loose Emu in 2022, where officials warned locals not to approach the bird, despite its seemingly harmless appearance. These wild encounters have even become recurring events in North Carolina, where Emus like “Biggie” and “Kimmie” were famously found wandering in unexpected places like a state senator’s yard, fueling social media buzz and local news stories. These light-hearted yet bizarre sightings underscore the intrigue surrounding Emus and keep people fascinated by their rare appearances outside of their natural habitats.
While wild Emu sightings in unexpected places might provide lighthearted entertainment, it is important to remember that these birds face significant challenges in their natural habitat. In Australia, human development has drastically affected the Emu’s traditional range, particularly along the east coast, where urban expansion and agricultural activities have led to habitat loss and displacement. Though the species is not currently endangered, these pressures contribute to a shrinking and fragmented population in some areas.
As a child, encountering wild Emus during my trip to Florida felt like something out of a whimsical Disney adventure—unexpected and fascinating. The magic of seeing these creatures was wrapped up in the same wonder that Disney World evoked. Back then, it was just an exciting, funny story to share with friends, but now, looking back, I realize that this rare sighting of Emus holds deeper meaning. It serves as a reminder of how little many of us know about these magnificent birds, and how important it is to learn more about their role in the natural world. Just as the Emus brought a sense of wonder to my childhood, may we all find inspiration in their rarity and beauty to advocate for the preservation of the world we share.
RCC Presidential Fellow – Sabrina Kianni – Duke University
Sabrina Kianni of Duke University writes regularly for RCC publications, focusing on environmental health and justice issues, and expanding on her passion for environmental advocacy.
