Emma the emu dies just before turning 45

One of the oldest emus in the world has died aged 44.

Emma – who was actually a male – had been at Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre, Lincolnshire, since 1980 after arriving from the Netherlands when he was only 2ft (60cm) tall.

Centre director Chloe Drew said Emma may have lived so long because he was "spoiled with lots of love and attention".

The flightless bird was two months away from turning 45, which Ms Drew said "could have classed Emma as one of the oldest emus in the world".

When Emma first arrived at the wildlife centre, staff thought he was female.

Once they realised he was, in fact, male, the name Emma "had already stuck" so they kept it.

According to Blackpool Zoo, the typical lifespan of an emu in captivity is 35 years.

Ms Drew said Emma had "not always been the nicest" but, in his later years, his "temper really calmed down".

Ms Drew said Emma had a distinct personality.

"Emma was a cheeky chap who loved having showers and muddy baths."

Ms Drew said generations of visitors had come to see Emma.

"It won't be the same place without him," she said.

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