Emus on the Loose in South Carolina: Community Joins Search for Thelma and Louise

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.