Think Like an Emu? Lessons from the Great Emu War

Listen to the corresponding podcast episode above for an engaging deep dive into the Great Emu War, filled with humor, history, and life lessons!

Have you ever heard of the Great Emu War? It’s one of the most bizarre, hilarious, and surprisingly insightful chapters in history. Yes, this is a real event, and yes, it involved humans waging war on emus—the large, flightless birds native to Australia. Spoiler alert: the humans lost!

This story isn’t just a comedy of errors; it’s packed with lessons about resilience, strategy, and the pitfalls of overconfidence. So let’s dive into the absurdity of the Great Emu War and see what we can learn from these remarkable birds.

What Is an Emu?

Before we jump into the war, let’s talk about the "opponent." Emus are massive flightless birds, standing up to six feet tall and weighing around 100 pounds. They’re built for running, with long, powerful legs that can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour. Their legs are so strong they can deliver a kick that’s...well, let’s just say you wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end.

Interestingly, emus also provide a treasured product: emu oil. This oil is rich in Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, along with vitamins A and E. It’s widely used for skincare and health purposes, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and skin-regenerating properties. So while emus are impressive runners, they’re also valued for their health benefits.

The Great Emu War: A Comedy of Overconfidence

In 1932, Western Australian farmers were struggling. It was the Great Depression, and to make matters worse, some 20,000 emus decided to migrate through farmland in search of food and water. The result? Crops destroyed, fences trampled, and farmers desperate for help.

The government, in its wisdom, decided to treat the situation as a military operation. Armed with machine guns left over from World War I, soldiers set out to battle the emus. Surely, it would be an easy task, right?

Wrong.

The Battle Begins

The first encounter went hilariously wrong. The soldiers spotted a group of emus, set up their machine guns, and opened fire. But the emus scattered in every direction, outrunning both the soldiers and their bullets.

In another attempt, the military tried to ambush the birds at a dam where they often gathered. While they managed to kill a few, most of the emus escaped. The birds were not only fast but seemingly strategic. Farmers even reported that emus would take turns acting as lookouts, warning the others of danger.

The emus evaded bullets, outran jeeps, and turned the military’s efforts into a full-blown farce. Despite firing over 10,000 rounds of ammunition, the soldiers only managed to kill a few hundred birds. The government eventually admitted defeat and abandoned the mission.

Lessons from the Great Emu War

So what can we learn from this ridiculous chapter in history? Surprisingly, quite a bit:

• Don’t Underestimate Your Challenges
  The government assumed the emu problem would be easy to solve. Similarly, we often underestimate the complexity of our own challenges. Whether it’s a work project, a relationship, or a personal goal, overconfidence can lead to failure. Be prepared.
• Adapt and Pivot
  Emus survived by adapting. They scattered when attacked, regrouped, and even developed strategies. Meanwhile, the military wasted time and resources doubling down on a failing approach. When something isn’t working in life, it’s okay to pivot and try a different strategy—sometimes the simpler solution, like better fences, is the smartest one.
• Resilience Wins
  The emus relied on their instincts and resilience to survive. They didn’t have weapons or plans, but their natural abilities carried them through. Similarly, resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming life’s challenges.
• Find Humor in Failure
  Let’s be real: the Great Emu War is hilarious. Humans losing to birds armed with nothing but their legs? It’s absurd. But there’s a lesson here about finding humor in failure. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and laughing at our mistakes can help us move forward.

The Emu as your new "spirit animal?"

Life is full of challenges that can feel overwhelming—or just downright ridiculous. When that happens, channel your inner emu. Be resilient. Adapt. Pivot when needed. And most importantly, don’t take yourself too seriously.

Whether it’s a career hurdle, a personal goal, or an absurd situation, remember that there’s always a way forward. Sometimes the best move is to stop wasting resources on a failing strategy, regroup, and try something new.

And if all else fails, laugh. After all, if the emus can survive a war, so can you.