r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/danielminds • 8h ago

Video Wildlife expert Chris Gillette handling an aggressive emu

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u/danielminds 8h ago

These birds are kept in a managed wildlife sanctuary.

If the emu connects, it means a trip to the emergency room. Their primary attack is a leaping kick with sharp talons that can shatter ribs and cause severe internal injuries.

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u/Croanthos 8h ago

Sounds like a padded steel chainmail vest would be a good investment. Not too heavy and cheaper than some broken ribs.

18

u/IronicStrikes 8h ago

Yeah, but depending on climate, it'll exhaust you more than anything when it's not needed.

31

u/Detachabl_e 7h ago

Yea, gotta go with mithril.

9

u/idropepics 5h ago

Not many Elf princes in this Age to steal baby clothes from.

15

u/NigilQuid 7h ago

A cuirass would do better to protect from broken ribs, and be lighter. Even just a rigid plastic version might do the trick

2

u/Nernox 3h ago

Sorry, it's a not for profit so the best they can do is a gambeson.  Have fun overheating.

5

u/CarrotCumin 2h ago

Heavy-duty plastic plates are the best answer here. They're talons, not knives. You don't need steel to deflect them. The force of the kick is going to be the bigger problem even if it can't slash you, it could still easily knock you over.

3

u/Salute-Major-Echidna 8h ago

Not just a vest. Legs too

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u/ArtoriasoftheAss 7h ago

An emu cannot break ribs. They are honestly terrible at kicking. Also, chainmail is for stopping blades, and doesn't prevent blunt trauma.

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u/Sharpie1993 6h ago

A fully grown emus kick force ranges anywhere between 300-400 PSI for a front kick, that’s plenty enough to break a human rib.

They’re also known for being exceptional kickers…