Emu Boots, Emu Grace

The explorers found the strange land that was to become Australia long before there was a decision to settle there. Those early adventurers in wooden boats had survived rough seas and weeks at sea, exposed to the elements with rudimentary clothing and boots, limited supplies and even more limited fresh food supplies.

They came upon a graceful yet strange looking bird on the Western Coast in the late seventeenth century. Its Latin name translated means fast footed New Hollander, not surprising then that its more common name for the English were used to name footwear, emu boots, emu being its English name.

It is the second largest bird in the world after its distant cousin in Africa, the ostrich, and happily it remains common throughout Australia other than in the conurbations and the regions set aside for agriculture and cultivation. It is not endangered and its adaptability, particularly in the harsh conditions in the remote parts of Australia, ensures a strong future. It cannot fly but cuts an imposing figure in its defense standing up to two meters high. It is perhaps not as fierce as its African cousin but it can still handle itself when confronted or surprised by wild animals or man.

Quick over a good distance, as fast as man can sprint, it is nomadic in lifestyle, roaming vast areas in search of food, insects, plants etc. It rarely drinks but drinks large quantities when it does. Its speed is its defense against its predators. The wild dingo is the main enemy but birds of prey are also known to kill it, most often the immature birds which take six months to reach physical maturity. The family unit though may remain intact for another year after the initial six months, before the young wander off to seek partners themselves. A lifespan can be as much as twenty years but that tends to be an exception.

There is fierce competition for females who may breed with several males at the same time, and lay several clutches in a year, usually in the early months of summer with the clutch taking about two months to hatch. Their maternal instincts however are poor, and it is the male who generally looks after the brood.

They will use their powerful feet, razor sharp at the end of powerful legs, to kick wild dingos though a pack can cause a lone bird some problems but speed, and an erratic running pattern is the form of defense in other circumstances. They only sleep in short periods, but often and actually can spend time in water, and indeed swim.

Protected from game hunters in emu boots, emu life are fairly comfortable except in the really arid parts of the country where food is less plentiful.

There are three subspecies a fourth from Tasmania having become extinct during the time the early settlers saw it as a valuable food source. The Aborigine was already hunting it, and between the two enemies, this Tasmanian finally succumbed.