LITHIA — Wayne and Linda Lohf hatched the first emu on their 6-acre farm on an Easter Sunday 13 years ago.

He was the only one of six eggs in an incubator to survive. The couple named him Easter, after his birthday, and he would go on to add three more emus to their farm.

But since June 2, the Lohf's veteran emu has been missing.

"He's been on the loose for a week," said Wayne Lohf. "We're uneasy about it."

The couple is hoping social media can help reunite them with their beloved giant bird. He was last sighted Tuesday near the C. W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir. Since then, there haven't been any other confirmed emu sightings, but their post about the missing bird was still being shared on a Facebook page dedicated to missing pets.

"We're just really hopeful if anybody does see him they're kindhearted and allow us to come get him," said Wayne Lohf, 52.

In 13 years, Easter has only made it out of his enclosure twice. Both times were brief, Wayne Lohf said, never more than a couple neighbors' houses away. And even after last week's escape, Easter was spotted hanging near a neighbor's house less than a mile away for a couple hours. But by the time that neighbor figured out how to contact the Lohfs, Easter was once again on the lam.

The Lohfs have a large stretch of land enclosed by a 4-foot fence for the bird and his "mob." (that is, in fact, the proper reference for a cluster of emus.)

Wayne Lohf suspects Easter was running toward the fence and gained enough momentum to fling himself over the top. There were no breaks in the fence or gates left open, he said.

The Lohfs are worried about Easter's access to food and water out in the wild of southeast Hillsborough County. The flightless birds that can grow up to by 5 or 6 feet are native to Australia. So if you see a giant bird wandering around, the Lohfs ask that you call them at (813) 493-5574. Easter is used to people, loves attention and wants to be petted.

Anyone considering adding an emu to their family should have at least ¾ of an acre available to the bird to roam on and a mix of feed, corn and bugs for the bird to feed on, Wayne Lohf said.

Although it may not be common to own emus, the Lohfs are among a few others who have the birds in the area. They can live up to 30 years, so Easter is only about middle aged.

"He's a member of the family," Wayne Lohf said. "An outside member of the family, but still a member of the family."

Contact Sara DiNatale at sdinatale@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3400. Follow @sara_dinatale.