Emus Escape in South Carolina Amid Ongoing Search for Fugitives
Beaufort County, South Carolina — Two emus named Thelma and Louise have become part of a growing list of animals on the loose in South Carolina as residents remain on alert following the escape of 43 monkeys from a local research facility. The emus were reported missing north of their owner’s property after they jumped the fence during a routine handling attempt.
Who are the Emus?
The two large birds are owned by Sam Morace, who described them as feral and untrained, unlike their counterparts which are raised in captivity. Morace explained in a community post that their attempt to move one of the emus resulted in both birds dashing away, choosing instead to embrace the wilderness.
What Happened?
The incident occurred about three months ago, but recent sightings have prompted the Horry County Police Department to step in, is collaborating with Morace to locate and safely recapture the birds. The police department made a lighthearted post on social media, stating, “We are not emu-sed,” while assuring residents that there was no risk associated with the birds.
Where Did the Escapes Happen?
Thelma and Louise were last noticed in the neighborhoods surrounding Horry County, approximately three hours from their home in Beaufort County. Morace shared her challenging attempts to retrieve them, noting the unusual nature of the flightless birds. Her Facebook posts drew considerable community attention, with some individuals offering ideas like using herding dogs to assist in the capture, despite Morace’s concerns over past attacks.
When Did the Emu Escape Occur?
The emu escape was first made public shortly after local authorities began handling reports of their sightings. Morace remarked that law enforcement had already visited her property, and they were exploring options to use tranquilizers to safely bring the emus back home.
Why Are These Emus Important?
Not only are emus fascinating creatures—they are the second-largest flightless birds in the world, standing over five and a half feet tall and weighing as much as 130 pounds. Native to Australia, their incongruous presence in South Carolina has generated increased public interest. The community has taken to social media to discuss sightings, with one resident commenting, “I was pretty shocked and so was my wife,” after spotting one of the emus near a local fire station.
Community Response
Morace has expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from her neighbors and fellow residents. However, she stressed the difficulty in capturing the emus, highlighting their wild instincts. “If the emus were that easy to catch they would be home already,” she noted. Acknowledging that one of the emus managed to defend itself against three wild dogs in a previous attack, she asserted, “She will fight back,” emphasizing the need for caution among those who might attempt to help.
Continuing Animal Escapades
The escape of Thelma and Louise follows the recent incident involving 43 monkeys, who fled from the Alpha Genesis research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina. That breakout caught the attention of local law enforcement and the public, with many concerned about the safety of both animals and residents. Of the monkeys, 32 have since been recaptured, but many are still alert and nervous about encountering wandering wildlife.
As the search continues for these emus, local communities remain vigilant, hoping to bring Thelma and Louise back home safely while addressing their unusual behavior—reminding everyone that wild animals can present unique challenges.
