Two new emus have settled into Belfast Zoo as part of the facility’s expanded Animals of Australia habitat.
The birds – which are native to Australia – are the second largest living birds in the world behind the ostrich and known for their distinctive long legs and striking blue skin.
The zoo said they were “excited” for people visiting to get a chance to see them up close, highlighting their “playful personalities and curious nature”.
They said the arrival is part of the zoo’s ongoing efforts to promote conservation and raise awareness of species from around the globe.
“We are excited to introduce emus to our visitors,” said Alyn Cairns, zoo manager at Belfast Zoo.
“These unique birds are an incredible addition to the zoo’s collection, and we hope that their presence will not only captivate visitors but also help further educate visitors about the diverse wildlife of Australia”.
The emus have settled into the Animals of Australia habitat and can be seen roaming around their new home which mimics their natural habitat of open, grassy plains.
The emus’ new home is also designed to provide plenty of space for the birds to move freely and engage in natural behaviour.
In addition to the emus, the Animals of Australia habitat also features other species native to the region, including kangaroos and wallabies.
Emus are large flightless birds endemic to Australia.
They can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 130 pounds. Emus are known for their impressive running speed, reaching up to 30 miles per hour.
While emus are not currently endangered, their habitat faces threats from climate change and human activity.
The zoo has not said if either bird has been given names.