Emu sees its shadow on Groundhog Day run through eastern Ontario town, 6 more weeks of winter

CTV’s Katelyn Wilson has more on Enzo the Emu’s great adventure through Almonte, after she escaped her enclosure on Monday.

Enzo the emu started a new Groundhog Day tradition in Almonte, Ont., running through the town and seeing its shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter, according to an animal rescue service.

The Gagne Homestead and Rescue is apologizing to the community after the emu went on an “unscheduled run through town” on Monday afternoon.

“While this was certainly not planned, we understand it caused concern and disruption, and for that we are truly sorry,” the animal rescue said on Facebook.

“That said… Enzo would like everyone to know she took this opportunity very seriously — not as an escape, but as a public service announcement. After careful observation of her shadow, Enzo has officially declared that there will be six more weeks of winter.”

The rescue thanked community members who “stopped, called, help guide her, and watched over her until she made it home safely.”

The Gagne Homestead and Rescue is home to two emus – Enzo and Blue.

“Enzo is now the new Wiarton Willie of Almonte, and she’s been dubbed that by a lot of people in town,” said the rescue’s canine coordinator Tracy Foley.

“Blue was a bit more cautious in that she only made it to the end of the driveway. Enzo had people out of the house. People walking their dogs stopped to take videos, people pulled to the side of the road in cars because no one knew what to do with an emu.”

For a moment, Foley said neither did she. As the rescue’s canine coordinator, it’s not often she hangs out with the emus.

“How the heck do you rescue an emu is my first question, but I didn’t have time to wait for those answers, so I hoped in the car and grabbed a couple of dog leashes because I have a great supply of leashes and went to find the birds,” said Foley.

After being escorted home, many were relieved to hear Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow, a sign of an early spring. But in Mississippi Mills, apparently Enzo did.

“I’m going to side with Enzo on this one,” said Foley.

The rescue says Enzo is now safe at home with Blue by her side.

“Additional precautions are in place to ensure there are no more surprise announcements in town,” said Gagne Homestead and Rescue.

“They are curious, social, and kind-natured, with absolutely no aggressive tendencies. [Monday] was simply Enzo being… well, Enzo."

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Katelyn Wilson

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