Known to many locals as Old Man Emu and often spotted in the paddocks on the outskirts of Barooga on Mulwala-Barooga Rd, the long-legged bird took a stroll onto the road last week.
Koonoomoo’s Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter owner Kylee Donkers received a number of reports about Old Man Emu’s antics and took to Facebook to warn drivers to look out for the bird.
“He has been around the area for years and years,” Ms Donkers said.
“There are quite a number of emus on that particular stretch of road, so it was also just a reminder for drivers to remember they are there.
“They are normally in the paddocks, but they move through the paddocks when the farm's gates are open.
“So that’s how he must have got himself out of the paddock and on the roadside last week,” she said.
Ms Donkers said the bird had been spotted back in the paddocks a few days later.
“There’s a quite a few emus in the area who have made their home along the river,” she said.
“Old Man Emu was spotted with a few babies a few years back.
“Emus are inquisitive animals.
“But he does seem to rule the area,” she said with a laugh.
The Facebook post warning generated more than 100 likes and dozens of comments and tales about the much-loved emu.
A number of Facebook users said they loved seeing the "lovely boy" when they were driving, while a number of others collectively agreed that the emu was a confident chap.
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