A beloved cuddle-loving, missing emu has heartbreakingly been found dead after a six-day hunt.
Irwin vanished last Monday (Sept 30) following heavy rain.
Locals were urged to keep an eye out for his poo and feathers to help track him down,
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But he was found dead in the River Avon, in Malmesbury, Wilts, yesterday (6 Oct).
His owners at Malmesbury Animal Sanctuary, Wiltshire say while Irwin could swim he would have struggled if he fell in the rain swollen river at night.
They described Irwin as a jolly emu who loved cuddles.
He was found near a bridge that was not easy to access previously due to river water running too fast.
There are other emus at the sanctuary and it is believed he may have slipped into the river while playing as reported by Need To Know.
A spokesman for the charity said: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we have to announce that our beloved emu Irwin has been found dead.
“This concurs with our initial theory which was during play, while the emus were chasing each other around, Irwin must have slipped and stumbled into the river.
“In normal circumstances this shouldn’t have been a problem as emus are very adept at swimming however it occurred at night – a time during which their vision is not best suited.
“And due to the recent heavy rainfall the river had broken its banks and run into the field making the area sodden, and very slippery.
“We believe due to these conditions and perhaps shock he simply didn’t have sufficient opportunity to right himself and swim to safety.
“In calmer weather he would easily have swum for the bank and made it back to dry land safe and sound.
“Whatever the case we sincerely hope Irwin didn’t suffer for long.
“The thought of his struggle will always be with us.
“His absence always felt.
“We simply don’t have words to explain how sad this makes us all feel.
“Not only our fabulously dedicated team of volunteers who work tirelessly for the animals’ wellbeing but also the Malmesbury community as a whole.
“We extend our heartfelt and sincere gratitude to everybody who sent us best wishes, reposted on social media and searched with us.
“Your spirit of hope and positive energy has given us much strength this past week.
“We thank you with all our heart.
“Irwin was a jolly emu who loved cuddles and especially cold showers during summer whereupon he would roll over before standing up and shaking himself dry before looking to us for another dowsing.
“And another.
“This was him at his happiest.
“He was also feisty and loved to chase the young emus around until they got bigger and gave as good as they got.
“Irwin gave us much love and lived happily at The Malmesbury Animal Sanctuary.
“He will never be forgotten. Irwin will live on in all our hearts.
“So long, Irwin.
“Precious boy.”
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