Thanks to the innovative thinking of zookeepers at Symbio Wildlife Park, two hens adopted a couple of emu chicks after their father abandoned them.  

Recently, two emu chicks hatched at Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh. Their names are Muffin and Socks after the popular children’s show Bluey. Unfortunately for Muffin and Socks, their Father didn’t take much interest in raising them, so Symbio Zookeepers got creative. Lucky for them, they were placed under the care of two nurturing hens.

Male emus are the primary caregivers of their offspring despite females laying the eggs. Emu dads will incubate the eggs for up to 60 days without moving or even eating. After that, he will raise the chicks for up to 12 months. So, Emu dads must take an interest in their chicks.

Muffin and Sock’s dad had previously raised emu chicks, but this time he seemed a bit over. After zookeepers repeatedly observed him abandoning his chicks, they decided to find them some foster parents. The two chicks were placed with Hens Lucy and Ethel. The hens quickly warmed to their new chicks, teaching them vital life skills.

You can find the new emu chicks at Symbio Wildlife Park – the perfect place to take your kids these school holidays (or just yourself).

2ser’s Amy Hosking spoke to zookeeper Daniel Rumey about this new parenting situation.