Emu Chick Hatches at Longleat After Father Sits 56 Days, Expected to Reach 1.5 Meters

An emu chick has hatched at Longleat Safari Park just in time for the Easter weekend, marking only the second offspring for resident emu pair Bounty and Biscuit.

The chick emerged from one of two eggs being incubated by father Biscuit, standing at just 12cm tall upon hatching. Despite its small beginnings, the young bird is expected to grow to an impressive 1.5 meters in height as an adult.

Unlike most bird species, male emus take full responsibility for egg incubation and raising the young. The incubation period for emu eggs is 56 days, during which Biscuit has been sitting on the eggs.

“Biscuit is doing a great job of taking care of the little one,” said Gemma Short, Lead Keeper at Longleat. “He will protect the chick and teach them how to eat.”

Short noted clear personality differences between the parents: “Biscuit is very calm and more approachable, whereas Bounty is a bit more energetic and food-oriented.”

The chick’s sex remains unknown and will only be determined when it begins to vocalize, as male and female emus make distinctly different sounds.

Visitors to Longleat had the opportunity to see the new arrival during the Easter weekend as part of the park’s egg trail through the Family Farmyard area.

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The hatching represents another success for Longleat’s breeding program. While emus are classified as “Least Concern” on conservation lists, captive breeding helps maintain healthy populations and provides valuable education opportunities about these unique Australian birds.

The emu is the second-largest living bird by height, native to Australia. These impressive birds can live between 10-20 years in the wild, with lifespans extending up to 35 years in human care. Their diet includes plants, leaves, grasses, fruits, vegetables, and insects.

The distinctive green emu eggs are known for their tough exterior, which the chicks must break through to hatch.

Emus grow quickly from their small beginnings to their full adult height. These birds are well-adapted to their native Australian habitats.

As the park continues to monitor the chick’s growth, visitors to Longleat can see the young emu firsthand in the Family Farmyard section.

A second egg remains under Biscuit’s care, with keepers hoping for another successful hatching in the coming days.