Emus, once rare on Australia's east coast, stunned Potato Point after 12 swam ashore from a private island. The birds now nearly match the town’s 159 humans, restoring native vegetation by spreading seeds and delighting locals. “Let them have their own space!” one quipped.

Brought from Western Australia 30 years ago, these emus proved surprisingly aquatic, establishing a colony protected by Eurobodalla National Park. Their seed-spreading talent is reviving local greenery, while nearly matching the population in this tiny seaside town—an emu-human standoff for the ages.

Potato Point’s emu colony began when a businessman underestimated their swimming skills—now, nearly as many emus as people roam the town.