Arizona Couple’s Pet Emu Recaptured After Three Days on the Loose
PEORIA, Ariz. — Kevin, a pet emu belonging to Josh Kondziola and Savannah Smith, was safely captured after spending three days on the loose following a New Year’s Day escape from the couple’s yard. The unusual incident began when fireworks on January 1 startled the large bird, prompting her to flip open the gate latch and flee the Peoria home where she had lived for several years.
“When we first moved into this house, she did the same thing,” Kondziola told local news outlet 12 News. “She flipped open the gate latch and escaped. But that time it was easy because we watched her get out, and we just went and got her. We thought we had done the gate up where she couldn’t get out anymore.”
Despite precautions, Kevin proved to be a determined escape artist, evading capture for days as sightings poured in from neighbors and social media users. The couple took to Facebook to post updates and enlist the help of the community, which responded enthusiastically. “There’s been a lot of people, especially from Facebook, that have been out looking or who will send me little updates,” Smith said. “These two little boys got a picture of Kevin and sent it over to their mom, who messaged me on Facebook, but it is crazy to see how many people are here for the emu.”
The successful recapture on Sunday brought relief not only to Kevin’s owners but also to the many residents who had grown invested in the emu’s safe return. “Kevin is home and relaxing,” Smith wrote on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the community’s support.
Emus, native to Australia, are large flightless birds known for their curious and sometimes unpredictable behavior. While not common as pets in the United States, emus require secure enclosures to prevent escapes, particularly during loud events such as fireworks displays. The Arizona Game and Fish Department provides guidelines on keeping exotic pets safely contained, emphasizing the importance of secure fencing and monitoring.
Kevin’s escapade highlights the challenges faced by exotic pet owners during festive occasions when loud noises can spook animals. The incident also underscores the value of community engagement and social media as tools for locating lost pets. Similar cases have seen local residents band together to track down escaped animals, ranging from farm livestock to more unusual creatures.
Authorities remind pet owners to take precautions during holidays and events involving fireworks. The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers resources on responsible pet ownership and animal safety. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service regulates exotic animal ownership and provides guidance on containment and welfare.
As Kevin settles back into her home environment, the story serves as a reminder that even the most unexpected animal adventures can unite communities and inspire collective action. For more information on exotic pet regulations and safety, visit the USDA APHIS and the Arizona Game and Fish Department websites.
Kevin’s owners plan to reinforce their enclosure to prevent future escapes and hope their story encourages other exotic pet owners to review their safety measures, especially during noisy celebrations.
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