Tiny Emu Chick Hatches at Longleat

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Red wood ants produce formic acid from their venom gland at the rear of their abdomen, creating defense systems that shield forest ecosystems.

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Father emu Biscuit took on the unusual role of sole incubator, sitting faithfully on the eggs for 56 days until hatching.

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Father emu Biscuit took on the unusual role of sole incubator, sitting faithfully on the eggs for 56 days until hatching.

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"Biscuit is doing a great job taking care of the little one," noted Lead Keeper Gemma Short, who observed his protective parenting skills firsthand.

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Forest protection occurs when ants bite wood-boring beetles and spray formic acid into their wounds.

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The sex of the fluffy newcomer remains a mystery until it starts vocalizing, as male and female emus make distinctly different calls.

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Visitors exploring Longleat's Easter egg trail through the Family Farmyard were treated to glimpses of the newly hatched chick under Biscuit's watchful eye.

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While classified as "Least Concern" conservation-wise, captive breeding of emus helps maintain healthy populations of Australia's second-largest bird species.

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Emus typically live 10-20 years in the wild but can reach impressive 35-year lifespans when cared for by humans.

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Red wood ants produce formic acid from their venom gland at the rear of their abdomen, creating defense systems that shield forest ecosystems.

Father emu Biscuit took on the unusual role of sole incubator, sitting faithfully on the eggs for 56 days until hatching.

Father emu Biscuit took on the unusual role of sole incubator, sitting faithfully on the eggs for 56 days until hatching.

"Biscuit is doing a great job taking care of the little one," noted Lead Keeper Gemma Short, who observed his protective parenting skills firsthand.

Forest protection occurs when ants bite wood-boring beetles and spray formic acid into their wounds.

The sex of the fluffy newcomer remains a mystery until it starts vocalizing, as male and female emus make distinctly different calls.

Visitors exploring Longleat's Easter egg trail through the Family Farmyard were treated to glimpses of the newly hatched chick under Biscuit's watchful eye.

While classified as "Least Concern" conservation-wise, captive breeding of emus helps maintain healthy populations of Australia's second-largest bird species.

Emus typically live 10-20 years in the wild but can reach impressive 35-year lifespans when cared for by humans.

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