'Optimism dwindling' in search for missing emu

Irwin the emu has been missing since Monday

The owners of an animal sanctuary have urged people to check their gardens after their beloved emu disappeared.

Malmesbury Animal Sanctuary, Wiltshire, announced Irwin the emu was missing in a Facebook post on Monday morning.

Gary Nageb, who works at the sanctuary, fears Irwin fell in the nearby River Avon while running around at night.

He said: "Whilst optimism is dwindling, we are forever hopeful."

Mr Nageb urged walkers and people with gardens along the river to "keep an eye out".

"Also maybe search in the undergrowth," he added.

The sanctuary has shared images of emu feathers to help track Irwin down

"He may be injured and sheltering. Also please maybe prod any shrubs on the waters edge in case of the worst case scenario," he added.

Mr Nageb said emus can swim, so Irwin could easily be in someone's garden.

"We tracked downstream with a drone as far as we can and we haven't found any sign of him," he continued.

To help people trace the animal, Mr Nageb said that fresh emu poo has a white streak through it and their feathers are long and always come in a joined pair.

Sanctuary workers went door to door in Malmesbury on Monday to ask people to search their gardens. They also urged people to "get in contact" if they see any suspicious behaviour around their base on Foxley Road.

"It's a real mystery and we're very, very concerned," he continued. "They're our babies and we've had them for years."