UPDATE: Missing emu found and now resting in its Lisbon sanctuary

LISBON — The search was on Thursday for a missing emu, and the huge bird’s handlers could not be more emphatic in their pleas to the public.

An emu known as The Bird is on the loose in Lisbon Falls. (Rockin’ T Equine Sanctuary)

“IF YOU SEE HIM, DO NOT APPROACH HIM or CHASE HIM,” according to a message on Facebook, posted by the Rockin’ T Equine Sanctuary and Rescue, which lost the 19-year-old male Wednesday.

The emu is known as The Bird and is said to stand roughly 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 100 pounds. The bird is not considered dangerous to people, but handlers are concerned that too much attention from a well-meaning public might force the bird into traffic or the fangs of predators.

Rockin’ T Equine Sanctuary sits on 38 acres on Edgecomb Road in Lisbon Falls. The area is surrounded by woods, which were searched Thursday by Lisbon police, an animal control officer and volunteers.

By Thursday night, the emu remained missing. The sanctuary’s Facebook post about the runaway bird had been shared nearly 500 times.

The emu, with features similar to those of a ostrich, is a flightless bird. Its lifespan is said to be between 10 and 20 years, although they can live up to 30 years in captivity.

Rockin’ T Equine Sanctuary came into possession of The Bird roughly a decade ago after it was found running loose.

The bird’s owners ask that anyone who spots him to call the rescue at 353-6581 or Lisbon police at 353-2500.