Emus are the second largest flightless birds in the world. {the ‘ostrich’ being the largest flightless bird}

The emus cannot fly but they can walk or run (trot) great distances using their strong, powerful legs.  However, they cannot walk backwards!

After mating with a male, the female emu lays the eggs in a nest built by the male and leaves the nest to mate with another male and to lay another clutch of eggs! The male, however, stays with the eggs without eating or drinking or even leaving the nest, for almost 8 months, turning the eggs over ten times a day until the eggs hatch!  Even after the eggs hatch, the male stays with the brood of chicks, teaching each of the chicks how to eat and defend itself!

The ‘emu oil’ has been used for joint pains, burns, etc., for thousands of years by the Australian aborigines (the native people of Australia). Besides the oil, most parts of the emu – meat, eggs, feathers, hide (dried skin), and even egg shells – have potential market and can earn good money!