BYRAM TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — An emu that spent more than two weeks roaming parts of Sussex County has been safely captured, bringing an end to a widely followed search that drew support from residents, animal control officers and volunteers.
The Hopatcong Animal Shelter announced that the emu was captured Thursday on Colby Drive in Byram Township after what it described as “a lot of patience, teamwork, and determination.”
In a lighthearted social media post, the shelter joked that “‘Doug from Liberty Mutual’ is no longer searching for his emu, LiMu,” referencing the insurance company’s television commercials featuring the bird.
The shelter credited Jeanette of Hound Hunters of New Jersey Inc. for setting up a secure pen that helped make the capture possible.
Officials also recognized Hopatcong Humane Law Enforcement Officer Di Matteo, who lured the emu into the enclosure before physically securing the bird in a transport carrier with assistance from Animal Control Officer Perrini.
The shelter thanked Melanie from the Wantage Township Animal Shelter for transporting the emu to its new home at Space Farms Zoo & Museum in Wantage.
Additional thanks were extended to the Byram Township Police Department and Sussex County Communications for quickly relaying sightings throughout the search.
Shelter officials also praised local residents who kept an eye on the emu during its travels, including those who provided apples to encourage the bird to remain in one area and a resident who allowed the emu to stay safely on their property for three days while a capture plan was developed.
After its extended adventure, the emu will spend the rest of its life at Space Farms Zoo & Museum, where it will be cared for in a permanent home.
The shelter thanked everyone who reported sightings and assisted in the successful effort, bringing the unusual search to a happy ending.
