The Center for Science Teaching and Learning in Rockville Centre wants Long Islanders to suggest names for its two recently arrived emus.
The emu is a brown, soft-feathered, flightless bird native to Australia, and is the world's second tallest bird species after its cousin, the ostrich. It can grow as tall as 6.2 feet and can travel long distances, reaching a top speed of about 31 miles per hour.
"Emus are a popular part of our new animal exhibition, but they need names," Dr. Ray Ann Havasy, director of the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, said in an announcement. "We are calling upon our visitors and friends to submit their ideas for naming our two emus."
The emus are part of the nonprofit organization's exhibit about how animals adapt to their environments. It includes museum-quality models of dinosaurs as well as live owls, golden pheasants, goats, alligators, lizards, turtles, frogs, and rabbits.
Names may be submitted in person at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, which is on the Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road in Rockville Centre 11570. Entries will be accepted between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30. The winner will be selected on Oct. 1 and entrants are asked to gather at the center on Oct. 5 for a public announcement of the names. The winners will have their photos on permanent display at the emu exhibit.
Tickets to the Center for Science Teaching and Learning are $15 for adults and $12 for children, and can only be purchased at the facility. The exhibits are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information can be found on the center's website, cstl.org.