Florida farmer who begged Bindi Irwin for help gives amazing update on Emmanuel the Emu's health
A farm owner who pleaded with Bindi Irwin for help after losing 99 per cent of her birds to avian influenza has posted an update on her beloved emu, Emmanuel.
Taylor Blake, also known on Twitter as Eco Sister, sent a desperate message to the Irwin family last week after suspecting her emu, Emmanuel had contracted the virus. Taylor has now revealed that her emu tested negative for avian influenza and that his health is improving.
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Taylor posted on Twitter, "Emmanuel Todd Lopez tested negative for Avian Influenza at two different labs, swab, fecal, and blood," she said on Sunday. "He doesn't have the virus and is not actively shedding the virus. God is good! Thank you for the prayers, the kind words, and the support. Always trust your intuition!"
Emmanuel Todd Lopez tested negative for Avian Influenza at 2 separate labs, swab, fecal and blood. He does not have the virus, and is not actively shedding the virus๐๐ป God is good! Thank you for the prayers, the kind words, and the support. Always trust your intuition!
โ eco sister (@hiitaylorblake) October 22, 2022
Taylor stated that Emmanuel was "getting stronger every day and could now lift himself, and 'I'm getting stronger each day, friends! I am now able to lift myself up and reposition myself on my own," she wrote alongside an image of her beloved bird.
Iโm getting stronger each day, friends! I am now able to lift myself up and reposition myself on my own. This is a BIG step, because before, I would just fall over. My neck is starting to straighten out and I am drinking lots of water on my own! Thank you for the prayers๐๐ป pic.twitter.com/PP6g1yiQ7g
โ eco sister (@hiitaylorblake) October 24, 2022
"This is a BIG step because before, I would just fall over. My neck is starting to straighten out, and I am drinking lots of water on my own! Thank you for the prayers," Blake added.
Taylor has been sharing the story of her sick emu Emmanuel on social media since the epidemic struck her farm in South Florida. She revealed earlier this month that she had lost every chicken and duck, as well as numerous geese, turkeys, and swans.
Taylor made a desperate plea to the Irwin family last week after suspecting Emmanuel had the flu, but he later tested negative for the virus. She tweeted, "I have been a fan of your family for as long as I can remember. I am reaching out to you in total desperation right now," she tweeted. "I need help saving my emu, Emmanuel. I will pay to fly anyone to us if they can help, no questions asked."
@BindiIrwin @TerriIrwin @RobertIrwin
โ eco sister (@hiitaylorblake) October 17, 2022
I have been a fan of your family for as long as I can remember, I am reaching out to you in total desperation right now. I need help saving my emu, Emmanuel.
I will pay to fly anyone to us, if they can help, no questions asked!
"We will need to rely on our fellow animal experts with more experience with this avian flu." Bindi continued: "Our hearts are with you, and we appreciate that you care so deeply and have such compassion for darling Emmanuel. We believe that all of us need to have a love for each and every individual animal. We hope that someone who has greater experience in their area can be of assistance. Sending love and light your way from our entire family."
Taylor thanked Bindi for replying, "Thank you so much for taking the time to write this, Bindi your response alone means more than you know. Please send my love to your family!"
Many criticized Bindi's response to Taylor, claiming that the well-known family could have done something to help the situation. Some called Bindi's response to Taylor "pathetic" and "useless."
Bindi Irwin is the daughter of Steve Irwin, better known as 'the Crocodile Hunter' to millions around the world. Steve died at the age of 44 on September 4, 2006, after being riddled in the chest by a stingray during filming a documentary in Batt Reef, Queensland. At the time, Bindi was only eight years old. Bindi's father is Steve Irwin, dubbed. In his stead, his widow Terri, son Robert, daughter Bindi, and son-in-law Chandler Powell have continued his conservation work at Australia Zoo.