A young emu was safely rescued from a Gilbert canal on Sunday morning, Sept. 13, 2026, after local residents and police officers pulled the drenched, flightless bird from the water, according to the Gilbert Police Department and Crystal’s Critter Haven.
Gilbert Canal Rescue Saves Young Emu From Water
A routine Sunday morning walk along an East Valley canal trail took an unexpected turn when neighbors spotted a large bird struggling in the water. According to the Gilbert Police Department, dispatchers received calls just before 8:45 a.m. regarding a stranded emu located west of Lindsay Road, between Elliot and Guadalupe roads.
Before officers arrived on scene, a group of bystanders walking along the trail jumped into action. The neighbors managed to pull the soaking-wet animal out of the water near North Lindsay Road and East Stonebridge Drive, where they stayed behind to care for it until authorities arrived.
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Community Response and Animal Recovery
Police officers arrived minutes after the rescue to find the concerned citizens tending to the bird. The emu sustained no apparent injuries from its canal swim. Officers loaded the bird into a department vehicle and transported it safely to Crystal’s Critter Haven, a local East Valley animal rescue organization, where it is currently recovering.
Gilbert police spokesperson Brenda Carrasco praised the quick-thinking community members for stepping in before authorities arrived. “We’d like to recognize and thank the residents for their quick actions in helping save the animal,” Carrasco told FOX 10.
Unanswered Questions Regarding the Stray Bird
While the emu is recovering safely at the rescue facility, authorities have not yet released details regarding who owns the bird or how an Australian native ended up wandering into a Gilbert canal. Local animal control and police departments continue to look into the incident as the investigation into the animal’s origin remains ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the emu get out of the canal?
According to the Gilbert Police Department, a group of local residents walking along the canal trail pulled the drenched bird from the water before police officers arrived.
Where is the emu now?
Officers transported the bird to Crystal’s Critter Haven, a local East Valley animal rescue organization, where it is recovering without any apparent injuries.
Do authorities know who owns the bird?
No. According to the Gilbert Police Department, authorities have not yet released details concerning the ownership of the emu or how it entered the canal.
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