Orlando Faces Emu Invasion After Gate Malfunction at Exotic Animal Farm

Orlando Faces Emu Invasion After Gate Malfunction at Exotic Animal FarmOrlando Faces Emu Invasion After Gate Malfunction at Exotic Animal Farm Orlando, Florida – Residents in the Orlando area are facing an unusual invasion after a gate malfunction at an exotic animal farm allowed a flock of emus to escape. The large flightless birds have been roaming the streets, causing both amusement and concern. The incident occurred on Friday at a farm in Zellwood, a rural area located about 30 miles north of Orlando. According to the farm’s owner, a power outage caused an automatic gate to open, allowing the emus to escape. Over 50 emus, which can stand up to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 120 pounds, have been reported loose in the area. They have been spotted wandering along roads, foraging in yards, and even causing traffic jams. While emus are generally not considered dangerous to humans, they can be aggressive if they feel threatened. Residents have been advised to keep their distance and report any sightings to wildlife officials. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has dispatched a team to the area to assist in locating and capturing the emus. However, the effort has proved challenging as the birds are fast and agile. “They’re good at hiding and they’re fast runners,” said FWC spokesperson Gary Morse. “We’re using trucks and helicopters to try to round them up.” In the meantime, residents have taken to social media to share photos and videos of the emu encounters. Some have expressed concerns about potential property damage, while others have found the situation humorous. “I woke up to an emu in my backyard,” said local resident Jennifer Johnson. “It was bizarre, but also kind of cool.” The farm owner has apologized for the incident and is cooperating with authorities to retrieve the escaped emus. He said that the gate has been repaired and that measures are being taken to prevent future escapes. The emu invasion has become a viral sensation, highlighting the unexpected nature of wildlife encounters in Florida. As the search for the escaped birds continues, residents are urged to stay alert and report any sightings to the FWC.