Horry County, South Carolina: Missing Emus Continue to Evade Capture
Two emus have been added to the growing list of exotic animals currently being tracked down by South Carolina officials. These birds, named Thelma and Louise, escaped from their home in Loris, approximately 100 miles northeast of Charleston, about three months ago. Their owner, Sam Morace, confirmed the ongoing search effort in a CBS News report on Friday.
The latest updates indicate that these emus, which are native to Australia, are still at large despite numerous sightings reported in the area. The Horry County Police Department acknowledged these sightings on their social media, stating, “we are not emu-sed.” They mentioned that authorities are aware of the birds being spotted in the unincorporated area of Green Sea, near Loris. The police department added, “There is no risk to the community associated with the emus at this time.”
Background of the Escape
Thelma and Louise’s escape occurred when Morace attempted to relocate one of the emus to a different paddock. In the process, the birds decided to jump the fence and venture off into the wild. “So she living the wild life, well both of them are,” Morace explained. These emus are identified as feral and have not been trained like domesticated birds, raising concerns regarding their capture.
While law enforcement is cooperating with Morace to capture the emus, she has expressed challenges in the process. Morace noted on a local Facebook group that authorities had already visited her property and that she is seeking approval for a tranquilizer to aid in bringing the birds back home. “If emus were that easy to catch, they would be home already,” she remarked while raising awareness about the difficulties involved.
Comparison to Recent Primate Escape
The situation with Thelma and Louise is unfolding in the backdrop of another unusual animal escape. Just a couple of weeks prior, 43 Rhesus monkeys escaped from a primate research facility known as Alpha Genesis, located about 60 miles west of Charleston, in Yemassee. The escape occurred when a caretaker inadvertently left the doors unlocked following a feeding session. Authorities have since recaptured 32 of the escaped monkeys, but 11 are still unaccounted for.
In light of these recent animal escapes, residents in Horry County have been vocal about their concerns and suggestions. While some have offered well wishes to Morace regarding her runaway birds, others have critiqued the situation and shared advice on how to recapture the emus. Such community engagement highlights the blend of concern and curiosity surrounding these unique incidents.
The Nature of Emus
As a point of interest, emus are the second-largest living bird species globally, with an average height exceeding 5.5 feet and females weighing more than 130 pounds. Unlike traditional pets or farm animals, they are typically found in the wilds of Australia and are not indigenous to the United States.
With each passing day, the search efforts for both the emus and the rogue monkeys continue. The Horry County Police Department remains engaged with Morace to aid in locating Thelma and Louise. As officials work overtime to ensure the safety of the community, the world of exotic animal escapes in South Carolina captures the imagination of many local residents.
