Caretaker's Death Leaves the Emus, Bebu and Kemu, Running Solo | ||
Two emus, abandoned without access to food or water for approximately two months, were on a slow train to a painful—and needless—death. Their suffering could easily have been prevented. Fortunately, a better future was on the horizon. Family Down-sizing The emus' elderly caretaker died, and his family had no interest in keeping them. Instead of immediately calling animal control authorities to relinquish the animals, the family abandoned the emus. Living in filthy, muddy conditions without any food, they became emaciated and dehydrated as they waited interminably for someone to show up. Finally, after getting a call from a local animal rescue group, the Houston SPCA sent a team of investigators out to the abandoned property and confiscated the birds. SPCA shelter employees bathed and fed the emus and set them up in a clean living space. After their health stabilized, the SPCA called the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison, Texas, to see about a permanent home for the emus. Television Stars The newly named emus, Bebu and Kemu, were welcomed to the ranch and joined three emu residents already there. The TV network Animal Planet was even on hand to film the birds' arrival! While the cameras were rolling, the emus were guided off the transport vehicle into a specially designed holding pen, just adjacent to the 32-acre enclosure in which they would eventually live. For the first few days, the animals were kept under observation. Their food intake and overall health was monitored. Staff also watched for any aggressive or hostile interaction with the other emus through the fence. At the end of a peaceful acclimation period, they were released into the main enclosure to join the group. Stay tuned for details of when this story airs on Animal Planet. Land of the Free Now released into their spacious, grass-covered enclosure, Bebu and Kemu had new choices to make. Should they … head for the woods? Search through the meadows for things to eat? Wade into the ponds? Run with the other emus? Meet the deer, ostrich, llamas, aoudads, and other creatures that shared their new world? Like any sensible emu, the pair simply walked off purposefully, stopping to check out all the new things in the immediate vicinity of their stroll. Now happily a part of Black Beauty Ranch, Bebu and Kemu enjoy a comfortable life in natural surroundings with compatible companions and the care of watchful custodians who ensure their safety and security. Bebu and Kemu will never grow hungry or become thirsty again. Related Links
Posted January 29, 2008 | ||
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