Two emu chicks have hatched for the first time at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-water, with more eggs ready to hatch.

It's believed to be the first time ever that emus have hatched at the Birdland attraction in the Cotswolds and staff are extremely pleased that the emus who landed at the Cotswold attraction just 10 months ago, have been comfortable enough to produce fertile eggs already.

So far in the incubator there is another chick ready to break out, in fact if you whistle to it, you can hear it rustling around inside.

It is the male who looks after the eggs and the young, rather than the female and Birdland's male emu has been displaying and performing the nesting ritual. The first eggs were removed as a cautionary measure until Keepers know more about the personality of the emus. The two females and one male are quite large and there is a risk of the eggs being destroyed by their strong legs.

Alistair Keen, Head Keeper said: “We are extremely pleased to see the first of the emu chicks hatch and looking healthy.

“We didn't expect to have eggs or chicks from the emus this early on, so it is very promising sign that the adults are happy in their environment.

“This is the first time that we have ever had an emu egg hatch at Birdland, so I have been doing lots of research into raising emu chicks.

“It is likely that the third egg will hatch today, so we will have three little chicks needing care and attention,” he added.

Emus are part of the ratite family, along with Rheas and Ostriches. Emu eggs, which are emerald green in colour, have to be incredibly tough to survive in their native Australia. The emu chick will start by pecking a hole in the egg before expanding his body to break the hard, brittle shell.

When the chicks are fully grown they can reach land speeds of between 20 – 30 miles per hour making them one of the fastest land birds comparable to ostriches.

With its combination of woodland, riverside and gardens, Birdland features more than 500 birds, ranging from the UK's only breeding colony of king penguins and parrots to cassowaries and cranes in a mix of free-flying and aviary displays.

Contact:

• Alistair Keen, Head Keeper on 07772 971287 or 01451 820480
• Simon Blackwell, Manager on 01451 820480 / 07850 929 828

Birdland is open daily from 10am, Closed Christmas Day only.

Find us at: Birdland, Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucester, GL54 2BN

Admission:  £8.95 Adults / £5.95 Child (3-15) / Senior £7.95/ Family £28.00 (2+2)

For more information visit: www.birdland.co.uk

Editors Notes:

• Birdland is situated in the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.
• Established in 1957, Birdland was one of the first bird encounters to open in the UK.
• The Park and Gardens cover an 9.5-acre site situated around the River Windrush.
• 7 acres are dedicated to the Bird Gardens featuring over 500 exotic and rare birds, 140 species in 50 aviaries including everything from flamingos , pelicans, owls to hornbills, touracos and cassowary.  Temperate and Desert Houses are home to delicate species.  Birdland has the only breeding group of King Penguins in the country.  Spike the King Penguin, who was hand-reared, is a popular resident with his own Facebook and Twitter following.
• There are a number of rare species at Birdland and the team are actively involved with global breeding programmes.
• The 2.5-acre Marshmouth Nature Reserve is a secluded trail where many indigenous species from kingfishers to otters are regularly spotted.
• Birdland is open daily from 10am, Closed Christmas Day only.
• Find us at: Birdland, Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucester, GL54 2BN
• Admission:  £8.95 Adults / £5.95 Child (3-15) / Senior £7.95/ Family £28.00 (2+2)

For more information visit: www.birdland.co.uk