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Hillsborough elementary students remember 'Eno the Emu'

A group of elementary students at a Hillsborough school are honoring Eno, the emu who died during capture last week.

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By
Debra Morgan, anchor/reporter,
and
Rick Armstrong, producer
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — Over the past few months, reported sightings of an escaped emu in Orange County thrilled many young children. But on Sept. 12, an attempted capture of the big bird turned tragic.
After the bird's death, kindergartners at The Expedition School, a free public charter school in Hillsborough, sang their favorite song to honor it.
"Eno the Emu" became a local legend and was seen multiple times along the Eno River. Tim Wells, a teacher at the Expedition School, turned the topic into class projects, like building a safe shelter for the wandering bird.
Wells said Eno's need was immediate -- it was relevant to the kids and it could involve hands-on activities.
"The brain science tells us that these three components together can make for the most efficient learning for these young children," Wells said.

On Sept. 12, Orange County animal control officers, along with experts from the state zoo, tried to sedate the bird. Sadly, it ended in the emu's death.

Wells had to break the news to most of his students along with a lesson and, as he says, "present it in terms of the lifespan of any living thing."

With the help of Wells, students learned they could be sad for Eno and then express it in a card.
"I put a heart for Eno the Emu because I love him," said Brody, a kindergartner.
Young Hillsborough students remember 'Eno the Emu' after capture and death

Many of the cards will be mailed to the animal control officers.

"We shared that [idea] with the kids," Wellls said. "They were on it right away. They said, 'Yeah, they probably feel worse than we do.'"

Almost a week after Eno's death, students can still see the shelter they made for the bird as they come and go through the school's lobby.

The shelter serves as a memorial for Eno, and Wells said the school places an emphasis on helping children consider the feelings of others.
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