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An emu has been missing from a wildlife sanctuary for a week. Tragically, the bird was found dead in a river. Although emus can swim, the sanctuary believes it would have struggled to get into the water at night, especially as the river was flowing fast after heavy rain. The charity said it announced his death "with a heavy heart", describing Irwin as a "jovial emu who loved a cuddle".
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Volunteers and sanctuary volunteers carried out a search on Sunday, including one person on a paddle board and another on a raft. "We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sent well wishes, reposted on social media and searched with us," the charity said. "Your spirit of hope and positive energy has given us so much strength over the past week," it said.
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Irwin was found near a bridge which had previously been difficult to access due to the fast-flowing river. There are several other emus at the sanctuary, and they believe he may have slipped into the river while playing. "Irwin is a jovial emu who loves cuddles, and especially cold baths during the summer months where he will roll over before standing up and drying himself off before looking back at us for another bath," the sanctuary added. The emu is also said to be "spirited" and will chase younger emus. One of his emu friends has already made a name for himself in a police chase when a suspect ran into his field and he got there first.