The tale of Irwin the missing emu has ended sadly, with the “jolly” big bird’s body found in a river close to the sanctuary where he was last seen alive a week ago. Staff at the Malmesbury animal sanctuary in Wiltshire believe Irwin slipped into the swollen river while playing with other emus and drowned. A search involving volunteers and a drone was launched after the emu went missing last Monday. The sanctuary had been optimistic Irwin would have survived, given that emus are strong swimmers. Irwin’s body was found when the water had subsided enough for a search to take place near a bridge over the River Avon. The sanctuary said: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we have to announce that our beloved emu, Irwin, has been found dead.” Its theory is that during play, while the emus were chasing each other, Irwin slipped and stumbled into the river. The sanctuary said: “In normal circumstances this shouldn’t have been a problem as emus are very adept at swimming, however, it occurred at night – a time during which their vision is not best suited. “And due to the recent heavy rainfall, the river had broken its banks and run into the field, making the area sodden and very slippery. We believe due to these conditions, and perhaps shock, he simply didn’t have sufficient opportunity to right himself and swim to safety. Whatever the case, we sincerely hope Irwin didn’t suffer for long.” The sanctuary posted a touching tribute on its Facebook page: “Irwin was a jolly emu who loved cuddles, and especially cold showers during summer, whereupon he would roll over before standing up and shaking himself dry before looking to us for another dousing. And another. “Irwin gave us much love, and lived happily at the Malmesbury animal sanctuary. He will never be forgotten. Irwin will live on in all our hearts. So long, Irwin. Precious boy.”