The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large Australian bird. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game.
Description[]
The emu is the largest bird of Australia and the second largest overall, with only the Ostrich being taller. It can reach a height of up to 1.9m (6.2ft) due to its long neck and legs, and weigh up to 60kg (132lbs), with females being larger than males. Although incapable of flight due to its weight, soft feathers and lack of keelbone, the emu can run at speeds of up to 50km/h (31mph) and travel long distances to find food, which consists of plants and insects.
Emus are common across most of mainland Australia, typically inhabiting savannah woodland and usually found in groups. Individuals pair up during breeding season, although only the male will incubate the eggs - hardly eating or drinking for eight weeks - and care for his chicks when they hatch. Full-grown emus have few natural predators, although they have good eyesight and hearing to detect potential threats and will defend themselves if provoked. Due to its large range, the emu is not considered threatened in Australia, although smaller subspecies from offshore islands have been hunted to extinction.