A charismatic emu is ruffling feathers after claims he was aggressive towards horse riders.
The emu, known affectionately as Fluffy, is regularly caught photobombing hikers and trotting alongside runners. And has since become something of a local celebrity in Parklands Conservation Park, Nambour, on the Sunshine Coast. He even has his own Instagram account.
But not everyone’s a fan.
Fluffy the emu
Locals recently launched a petition to remove Fluffy after reports that he showed aggressive behaviour toward horses and riders. The petition claims Fluffy is territorial, unafraid of humans or animals, and poses a risk to other park users.
Resident Tania Stickler told A Current Affair, “Fluffy just came at me, it fluffed itself up, and my horse spun. It was a blatant attack.”
She added: “I fell off and I was hurt, I was extensively bruised – that was a result of the fall – but he also came at me pecking before my horse took off.”
In response, wildlife advocate and Sunshine Coast Citizen of the Year Claire Smith created a counter-petition to let Fluffy stay. While the original petition has just under 200 signatures, Claire’s campaign to protect the emu has nearly 4,000.
“Fluffy is a gentle giant and brings enormous joy to everyone who meets him,” said Claire. “We are so lucky to have this beautiful bird in one of our conservation parks.”
Fluffy has lived in the park for eight years with his brother, Muffy. Both emus reportedly lived on a nearby farm as chicks, but were later moved to the park.
In an interview with A Current Affair, Claire said: “Fluffy is as aggressive as a newborn kitten.”
“He’s so gentle that children run with him, older people walk beside him, and people with disabilities feel safe around him. He just has this deep, beautiful bond with humans.”
Fans have flocked to Fluffy’s Instagram page to share words of support for the bird.
“I heard this on the radio this morning. This would be devastating for poor Fluffy!” wrote one person.
Another added: “The majority of people have no issues with Fluffy! For the minority, if you don’t like Fluffy, don’t go there.”
What about Muffy?
What isn’t widely talked about is what would happen to Fluffy’s brother, Muffy? Unlike Fluffy, Muffy tends to keep his distance from humans, horses, and most park users. He was also hand‑raised, but hasn’t formed the same rapport with people.
What park authorities say
This isn’t the first time talks of relocating Fluffy have occurred.
In 2023, multiple complaints from horse riders and trail users prompted the Department of Environment and Science (DES) to investigate Fluffy the emu’s behaviour at Parklands Conservation Park. Rangers monitored reports of aggressive interactions, though Fluffy remained elusive during field visits.
DES decided not to relocate Fluffy at that time, citing concerns that removal could stress or harm the bird. Instead, authorities installed warning signage at park entrances and increased ranger oversight during peak periods, particularly the breeding season, to better manage visitor safety and animal welfare.
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