The young emu arrived several weeks ago but despite the best efforts of the staff they have been unable to catch it and remove it.

The public has been warned to stay clear of the big bird and not feed it.

On Sunday the emu was seen pecking in the apple orchard and at one stage wandered into the backyard of a neighbouring house.

Dog owners have also been urged not to bring off-leash dogs into the garden in case the emu is mauled.

Council spokesman Nick Redmond said they did not know how the emu came into the gardens.

“Orange Botanic Gardens staff have sought expert advice on how best to relocate a young emu who has appeared in the gardens in the last few weeks,” he said.

“While having an emu in the gardens is certainly a novelty, it’s not very practical for either visitors to the gardens nor the emu. 

“The Botanic Gardens is not an emu’s natural habitat and it is unlikely it made it to the gardens on its own.”

Mr Redmond said efforts to move the emu have so far failed.

“Relocating the emu is a very delicate process and it’s proving to be quite difficult,” he said.

“The birds are known for becoming easily stressed and so any attempt to catch the bird has been done so very carefully, and so far we haven’t been able to do that safely. 

“The bird’s health is a priority so until we can relocate it safely we’re asking the public to give the bird a wide berth.

“Please don’t feed the emu and please make sure all dogs are on their leads in the gardens. 

“The Orange Botanic Gardens is not a leash-free area.

“We’re hoping we can safely catch the emu in the coming weeks and we have found a suitable location to re-home the bird.”

The young emu’s age is unknown.

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage website said emu eggs were laid in May and June.

It said the father then incubated the eggs for 8-10 weeks before the chicks were hatched.

The young emus can remain with their father for up to two years.