First monkeys, now emus on the loose in South Carolina
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – More than a week after 43 monkeys escaped a South Carolina compound that breeds the primates for medical research, residents in the state are on the lookout for someone’s pet emus.
Artie Morace, 71, said two of his three emus got loose during two separate incidents in June.
His first emu jumped a 6-foot fence, and when he tried to grab her, all he caught was a handful of feathers.
“She tossed me right over and kept going,” Morace said.
The second emu got away from him while he was moving her around and she escaped.
“They’re powerful birds, and I just couldn’t hold onto her,” Morace said, explaining that both incidents were accidents and he’s been upset about losing his pets.
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He has struggled to capture either of the birds since and has been unable to find someone with a tranquilizer gun.
Morace acquired his first emu in an auction and rescued the second one. The third emu, which is still at home, he’s had for about a decade.
He explained that anyone who may come across the female emus shouldn’t be scared. Morace said they will eat out of your hand but will scare easily with quick movement.
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Morace said the flightless birds can become agitated by aggressive animals.
The Horry County Police Department has acknowledged reports of sightings of the emus and echoed Morace’s message, saying that the birds are not dangerous to the community.
Morace is not currently facing any charges for the emus on the loose.
He hopes that he can find someone with the right supplies to help him bring his two emus home.
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