AUSTIN (KXAN) — Imagine seeing two emus running in the park on a Thursday night in Austin.

Austin Animal Center said two of the flightless birds were found running loose in Zilker Park on Thursday night.

Animal protection officers captured the birds after multiple callers called 311 after seeing the emus running in the area of the park– whether it was by the trail or in a secluded area near water, AAC Program Manager Rebekha Montie told KXAN Friday.

  • The Austin Animal Center said two emus who were running in Zilker Park on Thursday were captured safely | Courtesy AAC
  • The Austin Animal Center said two emus who were running in Zilker Park on Thursday were captured safely | Courtesy AAC

“We wish we knew how these emus ended up in Zilker Park, we’re just as confused as everybody else,” Montie said. “It is a mystery still, we’re still trying to figure that part out as to how they made it to that location.”

Montie said two AAC officers were able to get assistance from the Austin Police Department to safely capture, restrain and relocate the birds.

The birds will be cared for at the Austin Zoo until someone claims them.

Montie said anyone who may have any details about the emus or their owners should let the animal center know via 311.

“You know, clearly, someone had them previously,” Montie said.

The birds will be on a straight hold for 15 days, according to AAC.