Ellie the Emu has Cold Feet Walking Around Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

By Samantha Cordrey

Wraxall, UK - Ellie the emu, who was born on the 15th May 2009 at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm just outside of Bristol, was hatched by Bird and Reptile keeper Mark Walters, after the emu egg was found deserted in the emu pen.

Since then the young emu has developed an exceptional bond with her keeper even following him around as they whistle to each other. Young emus naturally follow their father’s legs whilst communicating through whistles and Ellie has been no exception and has always been happy to follow Mark’s legs around and come to him when he whistled to her!

During the cold snap it was noticed that Ellie wasn’t leaving her house to join in with the flock. Mark explains further. “I have had a very close bond with Ellie since birth and I noticed that she was not following the rest of the flock around the field, choosing instead to stay in her house”.

“Emu’s are native to Australia so they are not used to the snow but as with many animals they are able to adapt quickly.”

“We made the emu house extra cosy adding more bedding to keep her warm. After watching me work in the field during the day she has inched her way out slowly and is now running around with the rest of the flock”.

“Usually Dad would take the lead in this type of situation, with Ellie following him. As this is not possible Ellie has had to make up her own mind about the snow.

“Ellie still loves human company and will follow me around the field as I work. We have been introducing her slowly into the flock over the last six months and now she is almost fully integrated. However, she still sometimes needs a little reassurance from her ‘Dad’ ”.

Emus are different to most animals as it is the male who raise and hatch the young. He is the protector of the eggs and will sit and guard them. Once the emus have hatched it is the father who will raise them and train them.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm opens on the 6th February 2010 Monday – Saturday, 10:30am – 5:00pm.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is a 100,000 visitor/year tourist attraction, just 6 miles out from Bristol on the B3128, and was started in 1998. Animals include Giraffes rhinos, emus, wallabies, camels and 80 other types. Longest hedge maze in the world. Huge indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds. For more details see our website: www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG
tel: 01275 866908 fax: 01275 857080

To view Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-2018-Noah's_Ark_Zoo_Farm