Wednesday 28 August: We Are Not Emused

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 Today we are on the lands of the Luritja people.

We drove for what to us is now to the short drive of 200km from Alice Springs to Erldunda Roadhouse, situated at the turnoff to Uluru. 


We don't know why these emus are in captivity, but they were keen to share in the emu food pellets (who knew?) sold by the roadhouse.


According to the information panels:

  • The Emu is the second largest bird in the world after the Ostrich. 
  • Emus can grow as tall as 2 metres (6.5 feet) and weigh up to 50 kilograms (110 pounds). 
  • Emus in captivity can live up to 20 years of age. 
  • In the wild the average lifespan of an Emu is less than 10 years. 
  • The calf muscles of an Emu enable them to run long distances, as quickly as 50 kilometres an hour (30 miles). 
  • Emus are omnivores and eat a variety of fruits, insects, flowers and seeds. 
  • Emus cannot fly, but they are great swimmers and love to play in water and mud.
That's all very interesting, but it is rather hot.


Location: Erldunda, Ghan NT 0872, Australia

Comments

  1. Lyn29 August 2024 at 12:10

    Dear Chops. I hear you . Ask the humans to soak you in water & cool you off. You are stuck with your warm coat. Keep up the water drinks. Remember . At least you are not captive in a mini roadside zoo.

    ReplyDelete

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