Big Friendly Emu Named Charles Wandering Around Upstate NY

GRAFTON, N.Y. (AP) — Bird sanctuary officials are asking people in upstate New York's Rensselaer County to keep their eyes peeled for a large emu named Charles.

The big bird was last seen Wednesday after escaping his enclosure at the Berkshire Bird Paradise in Grafton Tuesday. Peter Dubacher, who runs the bird sanctuary, says his daughter Elizabeth and others are currently searching for the bird that was last seen heading toward Petersburg.

He says he suspects Charles will soon be returned to the facility.

Bird sanctuary officials say Charles is very friendly and enjoys back rubs, chicken feed and vegetables. Handlers say feeding Charles is a good way to keep him distracted as to give workers time to respond to bring the bird home.