As a social media obsession grows, experts urge unprepared fans to think twice: ‘Videos don’t show the ugliness’
Tammy Shull, the owner of Moonlight Valley Farms in Aspers, Pennsylvania, makes a living selling emu chicks across the country. The flightless birds, native to Australia, cost about $200 for “standard” black and brown colors, while the rarer white variety can cost up to $850. Emus are a big part of Shull’s life. But hear her plea: people, please stop buying them because they’re cute on social media.
“Recent viral videos definitely created an awareness of emus and their antics,” Shull said. “We are finding many folks are getting emus on a whim and not doing the proper research before obtaining these large birds.”
