Emus on the Run: Escape from a South Carolina Farm
In Horry County, South Carolina, two emus named Thelma and Louise have taken flight from their home, creating a buzz in the community. These large, flightless birds escaped during a routine relocation attempt when they jumped over a fence. Their owner, Sam Morace, confirmed the breakouts happened about three months ago, but the search for the birds continues.
Who Are The Emus?
Thelma and Louise are part of a species native to Australia. They are the second-largest birds in the world, reaching an average height of over 5.5 feet and weighing around 130 pounds. Unlike trained emus that some people keep, Morace indicated that her emus are feral, meaning they have not been socialized and are not accustomed to human interaction.
Where and When Did the Escape Occur?
The escape occurred at a farm situated approximately three hours north of Beaufort County, where a significant animal escape had taken place just days earlier involving 43 monkeys from a medical research facility. The search for the monkeys gained attention after some were recaptured following their departure when a caretaker mistakenly left an enclosure gate open. The escapades of Thelma and Louise, however, have taken social media by storm.
What Actions Are Being Taken?
Local law enforcement has been involved in the effort to locate and capture the emus. The Horry County Police Department reassured residents via a social media post that there is no safety risk associated with the birds. They have been in communication with Morace, who is currently trying to obtain a tranquilizer to aid in capturing the emus.
Responses from the Community
Morace’s Facebook post describing the situation generated a range of reactions, with many community members expressing shock and curiosity about the escape. “I was pretty shocked and so was my wife when we spotted one next to the fire station,” one local commented. Such sightings have become a source of entertainment and concern in equal measure.
Challenges in Capturing the Birds
While the community actively discusses solutions to capture the emus, Morace pointed out the difficulties involved. She noted that one of the emus had previously encountered wild dogs and fought off three attackers, showing the animal’s resilient nature. “If your dogs try and attack her, she will fight back. But she’s more scared of you than you are of her,” she explained, highlighting the wild instincts of these birds.
The Broader Context of Animal Escapes
The escape of Thelma and Louise follows the unusual incident involving monkeys, emphasizing a trend of animal escapes within the region. While the specifics of these cases differ, they underline the importance of secure enclosures and responsible animal care.
What’s Next?
Currently, efforts remain underway to capture Thelma and Louise and return them home safely. Morace expressed gratitude for the support of her community, recognizing the challenges of locating and securing the emus. “But if the emus were that easy to catch, they would be home already,” she remarked, illustrating the complexity of the situation.
The peculiar case of the fugitive emus has captivated many, shedding light on wildlife management, community involvement, and the unexpected challenges of caring for exotic pets.
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
