Loris, South Carolina: Exotic Birds on the Loose
Two emus have recently joined the list of animals that local authorities are attempting to track down in South Carolina. This development follows the escape of 43 monkeys from a nearby primate research facility, Alpha Genesis. The emus, affectionately named Thelma and Louise, fled their home in Loris, a city situated approximately 100 miles northeast of Charleston, around three months ago.
Owner Confirms Emus Still At Large
Sam Morace, the owner of the emus, confirmed their continued presence in the wild during a conversation with local news outlets. She noted that the birds are still wandering freely in the area. Morace expressed concern but also acknowledged the challenges in capturing them: “They are feral and not trained like the ones we have at the house,” she stated. “If emus were that easy to catch they would be home already.”
Sightings Reported by Local Residents
Reports regarding sightings of Thelma and Louise have been circulating on social media platforms, particularly highlighting their detection in an unincorporated area known as Green Sea. The Horry County Police Department is aware of these reports and has communicated that they are working in collaboration with Morace to locate the emus. In a recent Facebook post, the department stated, “We are not emu-sed. There is no risk to the community associated with the emus at this time.”
Recent Escapes from Alpha Genesis Facility
This situation in Loris has attracted attention, particularly given the related recent news about a group of monkeys. Just last week, 43 female Rhesus monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility after a caretaker inadvertently left the doors unlocked following a feeding. To date, 32 of these monkeys have been recaptured, leaving 11 still at large. The town of Yemassee, about 60 miles west of Charleston, has been at the heart of these ongoing efforts to recapture the escapees.
Community Support and Suggestions
In the wake of Thelma and Louise’s escape, Morace took to a local Facebook group to confirm the sightings and express her appreciation for the community’s concern. Many community members responded with a mix of criticism, advice, and well wishes, showing that local residents are keenly interested in the situation. As the efforts to recapture the emus continue, Morace is seeking approval to use a tranquilizer in hopes of safely bringing them home.
Understanding Emu Characteristics
The emus that have made headlines are not just any birds; they are the second-largest living bird species in the world, standing over 5.5 feet tall on average and can weigh more than 130 pounds. Commonly found in Australia, these flightless birds are not native to the United States, adding another layer of intrigue to their escape.
In Summary
While Thelma and Louise continue to roam the wilds near Loris, the police and their owner are working diligently to capture them. As the saga unfolds, local authorities remain vigilant and emphasize that there is no threat to the public. The community remains engaged in the effort, showcasing their concern for the well-being of both the emus and the ongoing situation involving the escape of monkeys in the region.
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
