Elmo the Emu - 18th August 2012
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Age: Hatchling Sex: Unknown
Found: At St George, in central western Queensland, after his father and siblings were hit and killed by a car.
Transported to: A local vet, who then transferred Elmo on to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for specialised treatment and care.
Veterinary Assessment: Dr Robyn assessed Elmo and found the little emu had a wound on the right foot, and was very weak and dehydrated. Orphaned, Elmo was also without a role model for vital pecking skills.
Treatment: Dr Robyn administered Elmo fluids and pain relief, and cleaned the foot wound. A total of six ticks were also removed. Elmo remained under close observation overnight in the Nursery ICU, and was introduced the next day to.. a chicken! This chicken will show Elmo the correct way to peck and feed from grain.
Future: Elmo will soon be transferred to a local bird carer, and will remain in care for the next five to six months until the foot is healed and is big enough to be released back into the wild.
AZWH Statistic: Elmo is only the tenth emu to ever be admitted the wildlife hospital!
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