Autistic Boy Hatches Emus for Love

A young boy from Bicester, Zak, has found a unique way to connect with his emotions and learn valuable life lessons by hatching emus. When a local farm owner, Charlie Taylor, expressed interest in raising emus, Zak eagerly volunteered to incubate and hatch the birds. The two emus, named Nip and Pip, now reside on Taylor's Buckinghamshire farm, and Zak reflects on the experience, stating, "They have taught me about love and how it feels to be a parent." Zak's mother, Claire, noted that the bond between her son and the emus is mutual. She recounted how the eggs began to rock in response to Zak's whistling two weeks before they hatched, highlighting the connection they shared. Claire explained that Zak's autism has shaped his interests and learning style, which has made traditional schooling challenging for him. However, hatching the emus has provided him with a rich educational experience. Through this project, Zak has engaged in various subjects, including mathematics, science, and even legal studies related to animal care. Claire emphasized the practical learning opportunities that have arisen from the emus, such as monitoring temperature and humidity, tracking weight changes, and exploring the emus' native Australia. This hands-on experience has not only fostered Zak's knowledge but also his emotional growth over the past few months.