# How Long Do Emus Live?

> Emu lifespan is typically 10–20 years in the wild. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Emu (*Dromaius novaehollandiae*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Omnivore — plants, seeds, insects, and fruit
- **Habitat:** Australian grasslands, woodland, and scrub
- **Lifespan:** 10–20 years in the wild
- **Top speed:** Up to 50 km/h (31 mph); powerful legs
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/emu/how-long-do-emu-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/emu/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The emu is a large flightless bird native to Australia, second only to the ostrich in height among living birds. It stands up to 1.9 m tall, weighs around 40 kg, and roams grassland, woodland, and scrub as an omnivore. Emus can run at up to 50 km/h on their powerful legs and typically live 10 to 20 years. The species is listed as Least Concern.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Size and appearance

The emu is Australia's tallest native bird and the second-largest bird alive, reaching about 1.9 m in height and weighing roughly 40 kg. Its shaggy grey-brown plumage hangs loosely and helps insulate the body against both desert heat and cold nights. The wings are reduced to tiny stubs, useless for flight, but the long, three-toed legs are exceptionally strong. Bare blue skin on the neck becomes more vivid during the breeding season.

## Help protect the Emu

Even familiar animals lose ground as wild habitat keeps shrinking worldwide.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/emu/how-long-do-emu-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.