These Escaped Illinois Emus Are Still On The Run

The Great Emu Escape: Flightless Birds on the Lam in Central Illinois

After a weekend of heavy flooding damaged a gate at a farm in Vermilion County in Illinois, some birds made a run for it.

That’s the word coming out of WCIA in Champaign in central Illinois.

Six or seven emus are currently loose, and their owner is actively trying to round them up. The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department has also asked residents to report any sightings.

READ MORE: THAT'S WILD: See the Pets Banned in Each State

What to Do If You Spot an Emu in Your Yard

The escaped emus come on the heels of Vermilion County’s efforts to control flooding issues that have required multiple rescues.

And if you’re wondering if these emu escapes have happened before in central Illinois, the answer is yes, and there’s a history behind it.

Four years ago, 11 emus got loose from another enclosure in the area, and while most were quickly recaptured, one became a local legend.

READ MORE: Almost Wasp Season In Illinois–Here's Why You Shouldn't Kill Them

A History of Runaways: Remembering the Legend of 'Lady Emu'

The runaway, nicknamed Lady Emu by fans, spent nearly two years on the loose, spotted in different locations until her capture in 2024.

While Lady Emu is no longer on the run, seven new emus are on the lam. Perhaps one will become a local celebrity.

What’s the weirdest animal you’ve ever seen loose where it totally wasn’t supposed to be?