Emus deserted along Nal Sarovar, rescue mission on

AHMEDABAD: Over 25 emus have been rescued from three different villages in and around Nal Sarovar since Monday night. The birds were abandoned there by unknown persons late on Monday around three of the fourteen villages surrounding Nal Sarovar.
K M Dave, DFO, Nal Sarovar, confirmed the news. “On Monday, about 12 emus were dropped off at different villages. We rescued them from three villages, though there may be many more.All 12 have been given to a NGO in Hathijan, which volunteered to rehabilitate them,” Dave said. The rescue team has since found a dozen more from the surrounding villages over the next few days.
Veterinary experts have also taken samples to check if the birds are sick. “As emus aren’t scheduled birds, there isn’t much we can do. But we have initiated an investigation into the matter,” he added.
Over the last year, emus which once presented a lucrative business opportunity to farmers and farm owners have been abandoned in various parts of the state. The emus which were sought to be raised for meat and eggs have become liabilities as this business has flopped.