The four-legged Nanaimo emu, that captured the hearts of families across B.C. with his unique mutation, has died.
On Sunday, June 21, Celina Knuff euthanized Cuatro, after it became apparent he was beginning to suffer.
The emu, born on June 6, hatched with two extra non-functioning back legs, as well as a disfigurement on one of his functioning legs that was able to be corrected with leg braces.
As the time passed, he learned to walk normally and developed a love of blueberries.
On Friday, June 19, Cuatro received X-rays and ultrasounds at VCA Canada Island Animal Hospital, which showed he had a second cloaca. The cloaca is the combination urinary, fecal and egg orifice birds, and some other species, are born with – but emus typically only have one.
In addition, it was observed Cuatro wasn’t growing as fast as his other siblings, which suggested his growth was being stunted and the mutations were likely caused by a partially absorbed twin.
“That pointed more to having a parasitic twin [and the nutrients aren’t] going to the emu that should be growing and instead that nutrition is going to the other emu that shouldn’t be getting the nutrition,” Knuff told the News Bulletin. “It was more of a deficiency toward the end, his body just couldn’t take it anymore.”
A plan was made for a potential surgery which would amputate the extra limbs and the outlook was optimistic.
Unfortunately, the tiny emu deteriorated quickly. He began moving slower, not eating, and by the afternoon started showing signs of a wry neck, a neurological symptom from vitamin deficiency.
“We said our goodbyes at our house, because it was very clear that he wasn’t going to be coming back and I didn’t want him to suffer,” Knuff said. “So I thought it would be best to put him down as humanely as possible, surrounded by us.”
The ducklings, who had taken Cuatro in, as the other emus would peck at Cuatro’s limbs, were introduced to another young emu to help them grieve.
While Knuff said the loss was difficult, every day he lived was a miracle.
“Every time he drank, ate – even ran around – those were all little miracles. It was nice to be able to kind of see that infectious love he had right up until the end,” she said. “It’s one of those things, I don’t have regrets pouring my time and effort into him, he was very happy, loving and loved life right up until his last day.”
She added many people reached out offering condolences.
“It’s been really sweet showing how many lives Cuatro has made an impact on, and I feel like he maybe made people stop and think and say, ‘Maybe it’s not so bad to be different.’”