About four weeks ago, apparent vandalism allowed about a half-dozen emus to escape from their home property just north of Danville near East Winter Street. They weight about 150 pounds, and can run up to 50 miles per hour; so this has been a challenge. Finally, Friday morning, the last one was found right near Viscofan in Danville, around East Voorhees and Michigan; after first being reported near Voorhees and Griffin.
Kathleen Orcutt from Vermilion County Animal Regulations and Animal Shelter, says they were first informed about a 9-1-1 call around 9 AM Friday. About five people stood around the female emu at a distance until help arrived, including the owner. Orcutt takes it from there, giving a lot of credit to Vermilion County Animal Regulation’s Officer Hana Houston.
AUDIO: Officer Houston looped her with a bite pole, and the owner of the emus, his stepson, jumped on top of her; so they’re not easy to control. And when he jumped on her she took off. So I jumped on her, and then the owner of them jumped on top of her, and we were able to get her contained.
The owner soon came back with a trailer to take her home. All emus have returned but one. The missing one was reported to have been struck by a vehicle, but was never found. If anyone sees some kind of animal that seems to need help, you can all anytime 24 hours at 217-431-2660, option 1. If it seems to be a dangerous situation, call 9-1-1.
