This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you may go to the hyperlink bellow: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-17/emus-swimming-murchison-river/107041812and if you wish to take away this text from our website please contact us [ad_1] A gaggle of emus swimming in certainly one of Western Australia's longest rivers has shocked vacationers and locals alike.A video on social media that has garnered greater than 5 million views reveals the emus' lengthy necks bobbing by the Murchison River as they swim to shore.Kalbarri Cruises proprietor Tracy Grosvenor, who took the video, stated they have been working an everyday tour on the Murchison after they noticed the birds."We were probably nearly at the turnaround point, and in the distance, we can see these little black shadows crossing the river, and we didn't know what they were," she stated."So, we quickly zoomed up and there were four emus fully swimming across the Murchison."Tracy Grosvenor says the emus swam about 70 metres throughout the river. (Supplied: Kalbarri Cruises)The state's second-largest river is about 800 kilometres lengthy and residential to lots of of hen species.Ms Grosvenor and her husband Grant have run common excursions on the river for greater than 14 years.She stated whereas they'd seen many emus alongside the river's edge earlier than, this was the primary time they'd witnessed them swimming.Tracy Grosvenor says they didn't anticipate the video to generate such a giant response. (Supplied: Tracy Grosvenor)"It was just right place, right time to capture it on footage," she stated.The odd sight additionally delighted the group that was visiting the area."Everyone was so excited. We all ran up the front and the boat sort of tipped nose down," Ms Grosvenor stated.The video has drawn comparisons on-line with the Loch Ness Monster. (Instagram: @Kalbarricruises)Many individuals who have commented on the video posted to Instagram and Facebook have been fast to level out the similarity of the scene to a well-liked Scottish folklore. "I know people have thought it's the Loch Ness Monster or swimming elephant trunks," Ms Grosvenor stated.Geraldton-based wildlife carer and vet nurse Jaydene Bartley stated swimming was truly fairly frequent for the flightless birds."These guys love going through the water and having a good bath," she stated."They have such heavy down underneath their feathers that it helps keep them cool throughout summer in particular and then aids in the cleaning for them."The Murchison River mouth at Kalbarri in WA. (ABC Midwest Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis)Ms Bartley stated the behaviour was seen incessantly in WA's north, the place summer time temperatures typically hit 40 levels Celsius."However, it is seen throughout [the state] when there are puddles of water around," she stated.Ms Bartley stated emus have been robust swimmers and used to crossing massive our bodies of water to seek out meals when wanted."Their food is sparse throughout. They have to sort of be able to travel across the river to get food, particularly when it's warmer days like this." [ad_2] This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you may go to the hyperlink bellow: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-17/emus-swimming-murchison-river/107041812and if you wish to take away this text from our website please contact us