New feathered family member for Rockhampton Zoo

Published on 10 December 2020

An adorable three month old emu chick is currently settling into her new home at Rockhampton Zoo.

The chick, who has been named Ash, has taken up residence in the Australian Dry Eucalypt Enclosure, which also is home to fellow emu, Henry, and eight kangaroos.

Parks Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the chick is already well loved by zoo-goers.

“We are so happy to have Ash join the Rockhampton Zoo family and she is already proving a favourite for many visitors,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Our Zoo has not had an emu chick for quite some time and I know many are excited to be able to watch her grow and change over the upcoming months.

“She stands about 60 centimetres tall at the moment but by about nine months’ time, she will reach between one and a half to two metres in height.

“She will also get much heavier - she currently weighs about 11kg but will add up to 30kg to that weight by the time she’s one year old.”

Cr Rutherford said Ash is settling into her new home well, though still will take some time to fully adjust given her early start to life.

“Ash came to Rockhampton Zoo after being surrendered to a parks ranger – she was kept as a pet and hand raised by people immediately after hatching,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Given this, she is incredibly friendly and affectionate – to the point that she will even climb into the keepers’ laps for a cuddle.

“As beautiful as this is, it’s not good for Ash, or any wild animal, as she has imprinted with people so sees herself as a human, rather than an emu. 

“This is making her transition into a zoo more challenging, coexisting with other animals rather than people, but we are confident she will continue to adjust well.”

Ash, along with all animals of the Zoo, can be visited between 10am and 4pm each day. Entry to the Zoo is free.

Rockhampton Zoo is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council.