Frosty emu chills out in four inches of snow

Chook Chook isn’t your regular emu – he’s as Tasmanian as you can get, he thrives in the cold weather and basks in the snow and rain. SEE MORE PICTURES >>

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EMUS are more commonly found in the hotter parts of mainland Australia, but for Tasmanian emu ‘Chook Chook’, “it just loves the snow”.

The 19-year-old emu was bought by owner Elliot McLaine and his family after it was advertised in the Mercury as a chick for $10.

Chook Chook the emu. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“We bought two at the time but the other sadly passed away four years ago,” Mr McLaine said.

“They have a life expectancy of around 20 years but this one is going strong. He loves his patch outside.”

Elliot McLaine of Kaoota enjoys the snow with emu called Chook Chook. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Considered by many as an animal commonly found in hotter parts of the country, Mr Elliot said Chook Chook basks in the wet and cold weather they get at their Kaoota home in the state’s South.

“The snow doesn’t worry him one bit, whenever we get the hose out he comes running to catch a spray of it,” he said.

Mr Elliot said Chook Chook was just like any other bird pet.

Elliott of Kaoota enjoys the snow with emu called Chook Chook. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“It’s like having a cockatoo or a budgie. We consider them like a bigger chook or turkey, yet emus are much easier to keep. They are very easy to fence.”

Mr Elliot said he and his family had a somewhat unusual day yesterday when their property received a rare four-inches of snow cover.

“We haven’t seen snowfall like that here in about five years,’ he said.

Elliot McLaine with girlfriend Prapasiri Iamsila of Kaoota. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“My partner is from Thailand so she is just enthralled by it and it’s pretty special for her to see.”

He said much of his Tuesday afternoon was spent helping push neighbouring cars out of snowy road conditions.