Emus on the Loose in Loris, South Carolina
**Loris, South Carolina** – Two emus named **Thelma** and **Louise** have been added to the list of exotic animals that officials are currently attempting to track down in South Carolina. This development follows the escape of 43 monkeys from a nearby primate research facility.
What Happened?
The emus escaped approximately three months ago from their home in **Loris**, a city located about 100 miles northeast of **Charleston**. Their owner, Sam Morace, confirmed this during an interview on Friday. **Thelma** and **Louise** remain unaccounted for after being spotted sporadically in the area.
Where Have They Been Sighted?
Recent sightings of the birds have circulated on social media, particularly in **Green Sea**, an unincorporated area neighboring Loris. The **Horry County Police Department** made a public announcement via their Facebook page indicating that they are aware of these sightings. In their post, they humorously remarked, “we are not emu-sed,” stressing their seriousness in resolving the situation.
How Are Officials Responding?
According to the police, cooperation with the owner is ongoing, as they assist in efforts to locate and capture **Thelma** and **Louise**. Law enforcement has reached out to Morace in hopes of managing the capture. They assured residents that there is “no risk to the community” associated with the roaming emus.
Why Did the Emus Escape?
Morace explained how the escape occurred. She explained that the emus were in the process of transitioning to another paddock when one of them made a break for it. “They decided they wanted to hop the fence when we were trying to grab one of them to move her to another paddock, and well, she didn’t like that,” she stated. This prompted both emus to explore life outside of captivity.
The Context of the Situation
This situation with the emus comes shortly after a similar incident involving **43 female Rhesus monkeys** in **Yemassee**, a town about 60 miles west of Charleston. These monkeys escaped when a caregiver left the doors unlocked after feeding, resulting in a chaotic scene. As of now, **32** of those monkeys have been recaptured, but **11 remain at large**.
Community Reaction
Morace took to a local Facebook community group to confirm the reports regarding her emus. She clarified that the birds are feral and not accustomed to human interaction. The owner also expressed the challenges involved in capturing them, stating, “if emus were that easy to catch they would be home already.” Many locals have responded with support, advice, and concern over the emus’ wellbeing.
The Size and Nature of Emus
Emus are the second-largest birds on Earth, growing to over **5’ 6”** in height and weighing up to **130 pounds**. Native to Australia, these flightless birds have become subjects of interest due to their unusual presence in South Carolina.
Conclusion
Authorities reaffirm their commitment to locating **Thelma** and **Louise**, assuring residents that they are taking all necessary steps to manage the situation. As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for the safe return of the emus to their owner.
