Escaped emu eludes capture in Jastrzębie-Zdrój as authorities plan tranquilizer operation

Escaped emu roams Jastrzębie-Zdrój

A male emu named Tusiek has spent approximately one week wandering through the rural outskirts of Jastrzębie-Zdrój in southern Poland after escaping from a private property in the Cisówka district. The bird, a male under two years old, was kept on the estate as an ornamental pet before finding a way out of his enclosure. Following his escape, the flightless bird crossed into the neighbouring district of Ruptawa. Residents have repeatedly observed Tusiek strolling across open agricultural land and staying close to nearby forest fringes, where the quiet environment offers open lines of sight.

Municipal warnings and public safety advice

As sightings multiplied across Ruptawa, Jastrzębie-Zdrój Mayor Michał Urgoł published an advisory on social media to inform the community and issue safety protocols. The owner emphasized that while Tusiek is not aggressive, he is exceptionally timid and easily frightened. Authorities stressed that an exotic bird navigating unfamiliar territory can act unpredictably if approached by people or domestic animals. The mayor instructed residents not to chase the bird and to secure their pets.

Urgoł shared photographs of the emu roaming the fields alongside a direct request for public assistance.

If you meet an exotic bird during a walk, keep your distance, watch your dogs and let the city guard or police know where you managed to spot it.

Failed capture attempts and veterinary intervention

Municipal guards in Jastrzębie-Zdrój have received numerous phone tips regarding Tusiek's exact whereabouts, promptly relaying the coordinates to the owner. However, early attempts to secure the emu on foot proved unsuccessful. The duty officer for the municipal guard noted that the bird moves rapidly and evades capture with ease, stating that search teams came close on several occasions only for the bird to bolt, leaving behind only loose feathers.

Because conventional methods failed to contain the agile animal across broad agricultural fields, municipal authorities scheduled an intervention for Monday, 5 October 2026. A veterinarian armed with a tranquilizer rifle will join the pursuit. The specialist will calculate a precise sedative dosage tailored to the bird's size, ensuring the emu can be neutralized and returned to his owner without sustaining physical harm.

Pattern of exotic animal escapes in the city

The incident involving Tusiek represents the second exotic animal search in Jastrzębie-Zdrój within four months. In June 2026, municipal guards, police officers, and firefighters mounted a joint response after kangaroos escaped from a local breeding facility and wandered into traffic, appearing at the intersection of Rymera and Ligonia streets. That operation successfully secured the animals, including a rare white kangaroo.

Municipal guards and police continue to gather location updates from the public over the weekend ahead of Monday's planned veterinary capture.