HILLARD, Fla. – An emu is missing from its rural home in Nassau County, leaving behind a family with heartache that the bird they considered part of the family has disappeared.
The Felder family has been looking for Ernie the emu since he went missing New Year's Eve.
"Well, he thinks he's a human, won't stay with the horses. We got rid of all our ostriches and emus back in 2008 and we used to raise a bunch of them -- 250," said Cathy Felder.
Ernie is essentially a member of the family, and when News4Jax camera started rolling, James Felder struggled to keep his composure, overwhelmed by the loss of his emu.
"I've known him for 12 years. He'd be really close. If he was here now, he'd be rubbing up against you," said James Felder. "He's that good, but I think fireworks ran him off. He's been gone since New Year's Day."
PHOTOS: Family seeks missing emu
It's not just the adults upset over Ernie's disappearance; the Felders said their kids can't even sleep.
The family has put up signs in rural Hilliard, asking, "Have you seen this big bird? His name is Ernie. He won't answer to it, he'll just look at you."
"They've spotted him off County Road 121, but every time they go down to catch him, of course, he's gone," James Felder said.
If you find the bird, call 904-879-2053.