The Colorado Springs Emu Everyone's Been Asking About
Meet Dennis, the 100-pound, six-foot-three emu who walks on a leash, plays fetch with sticks, rides in a truck, and has somehow become one of Colorado Springs' most beloved local celebrities. Host Carly Ries sits down with his owner, Billie-Sue Mitchell, at her animal-filled home to hear the full story: how Dennis went from backyard duck guardian to parade regular, Garden of the Gods fixture, and joy-spreader extraordinaire.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why Billie-Sue originally bought an emu (hint: it has everything to do with a neighborhood fox)
How Dennis went from backyard bird to Colorado Springs icon after a reporter spotted him at Garden of the Gods
The dramatic 24-hour disappearance, and the German Shepherd who saved the day
What it's actually like to walk a 100-pound emu in public (think fly fishing, not dog walking)
Why Dennis legally doesn't require an exotic animal permit
The most common questions and misconceptions people have about emus
How Dennis helped Billie-Sue heal after a devastating personal loss
Where you can spot Dennis in person this summer
Fun Facts About Dennis
Species: Emu (not an ostrich, not a cassowary, definitely not a penguin)
Height: 6'3" at full stand
Weight: ~100 lbs
Leash trained: Yes, since he was a few feet tall
Fetch: Yes — sticks only
Truck rides: Yes, back seat removed, rubber mat installed
Legal status: Classified as barn fowl; no exotic animal permit required in Colorado Springs
GPS tracker: Yes, on his ankle (not house arrest)
Speed: Up to 35 mph if the leash slips…ask Billie-Sue
Emu vs. Ostrich vs. Cassowary: What's the Difference?
One of the most common questions Billie-Sue gets: "Is that an ostrich?" Here's the quick breakdown:
Emus are native to Australia, appear on the Australian coat of arms alongside the kangaroo, and (like kangaroos) don't walk backwards (a symbol of always moving forward). Male emus sit on eggs and raise chicks for up to 18 months.
Ostriches are native to Africa and are the world's largest bird.
Cassowaries are the dangerous ones; native to Australia and New Guinea, with a reputation for aggression.
Dennis is none of those things. He's just a very friendly, very large bird who wants you to pet him.
Where to See Dennis This Summer
Donkey Derby Days — Cripple Creek (parade on Saturday — the weekend this episode airs!)
Monument July 4th Parade — One of the largest parades south of Denver
Broncho Day Festival — Green Mountain Falls, around the lake
Keep an eye on Billie-Sue's social media for pop-up appearances at Garden of the Gods, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and beyond
About Our Guest
Billie-Sue Mitchell is a Colorado Springs animal lover, emu owner, and the human behind Dennis's growing local following. She fosters dogs and cats, keeps ducks and chickens, and has turned her backyard into a full-on animal sanctuary. She takes Dennis to local events, schools, and community gatherings to spread joy…and it's working.
This Episode Is Brought to You By
Vanguard Aesthetics — Colorado Springs' go-to for skincare that actually works for your real life. Don't skip the sunscreen.
Pikes Peak Library District Summer Adventure Program — It's not too late to join! Events for all ages happening now through July.
Core Collective Pilates — Colorado Springs' downtown reformer studio where low impact absolutely does not mean low effort. Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS at checkout for 3 classes for $30. Visit corecollective.com
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Springs & Things is your insider's guide to Colorado Springs: the hidden gems, local stories, and unexpected moments that make The Springs one of a kind.
