Zoo Buddy: Baby emus!
Emus are from Australia and are the second-largest flightless bird in the world - right behind ostriches.
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe had baby emus hatch recently! They’re only a few weeks old.
When they’re this young, they’ll have stripes that keep them camouflaged. As they age, their adult long feathers start coming in, and they turn a mostly grey-brown color. Zookeeper Rami Petterson says they’ve got two feathers per follicle.
They’re from Australia and are the second-largest flightless bird in the world. They’re right behind ostriches.
They have small “wings” which actually help them steer as they run.
To get away from predators, they’ll use their sharp beaks, and they have incredibly sharp talons.
Petterson says their fast running speed and strong swimming ability help them evade predators.
The zoo is projecting that construction on the new Louisiana Purchase exhibit will be finished in the spring of 2026.
While construction continues on the new Louisiana Purchase Exhibit, the Reptile Building is closed.
Until then, you can request some reptiles at educational programs or birthday parties, or you might just see one at the zoo when staff are taking them on a stroll.
Call 318-329-2400 for more information.
You can also volunteer with the zoo. Contact the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society through their Facebook page.
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