Oct 8, 2005 11:33 am US/Central
Meet Brookfield Zoo's Resident Emus
Emus Can Live Up To 50 Years
by Susan Carlson
BROOKFIELD (CBS) ―
Meet Dil and Turkey, two emus who make their home at the Brookfield Zoo.
Dil is ten years old and Turkey is 33 years old. Turkey's been at the zoo since 1974.
Emus can live up to 50 years. These animals do have a fascinating lifestyle in their native environment.
They're one of five types of birds called ratites. Many people might be familiar with ostriches, which are the largest of the kind. Emus are second in size.
Emus do not fly, but they will move across land by using their long legs. Emus have a lot of endurance while they're walking, but if they need to run, they can reach speeds of 40 mph for short distances.
Another interesting thing about emus is the incubation period. They have the longest incubation period of any bird – over 50 days. Believe it or not, the males are the only ones who incubate the eggs. The males build nests. If the female does not approve, she will tear it up and force the male to start all over. One the male is incubating, he will not move to eat or even go to the bathroom.
(© MMV, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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