EMU SKELETON

Dromaius novaehollandiae
1970
On a custom-made base
112 × 78 × 41 cm

This object contains material of endangered species and is subject to certain trade restrictions. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import it into another country.

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The emu is the second-tallest living bird after its ratite relative, the ostrich. It is endemic to Australia, where it is the largest native bird and the only extant member of the genus Dromaius. The emu's range covers most of mainland Australia, but the Tasmanian, Kangaroo Island and King Island subspecies became extinct after the European settlement of Australia in 1788.

Emus were first reported as having been seen by Europeans when explorers visited the western coast of Australia in 1696. This was during an expedition led by Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh who was searching for survivors of a ship that had gone missing two years earlier. The birds were known on the eastern coast before 1788, when the first Europeans settled there.

Emus are soft-feathered, brown, flightless birds with long necks and legs, and can reach up to 6.2 ft (1.9 m) in height. Emus can travel great distances, and when necessary can sprint at 30 mph (48 kph); they forage for a variety of plants and insects, but have been known to go for weeks without eating. They drink infrequently, but take in copious amounts of water when the opportunity arises.

The skeleton presented here is in very fine to perfect condition, showing no damage and no restorations. It has been mounted on a custom stand.