A multinational effort is underway to recover the Australian Paralympic Team’s beloved mascot Bruce the Emu, who has allegedly been abducted from outside the team’s residential quarters in the Paralympic Village in Cortina.
A brazen ransom note was discovered by horrified Australian staff in an umbrella basket outside the team’s operations space late on Monday.
In a shocking twist, Italian security officers are believed to have detained members of the Slovakian curling team as part of their investigation, declaring they will leave no curling stone unturned in their search for answers.
The ransom note claimed that Bruce – a five-foot brass one-legged emu – was “safe and receiving the best care”.
“We respect the tradition of mascot stealing and it will return to you soon!” it said.
Hand-writing experts are analysing the note, indicating the culprit or culprits are among the 611 athletes from 55 nations competing at the Games.
The Australian Paralympic Team’s security attaché, Olivia Cruise, said Bruce was believed to have disappeared between 9pm and 10.30pm on Sunday night.
“I’ve contacted some of our allies, including from Canada, Great Britain and Germany, who have offered resources to help in the search,” Cruise said. “Paolo from Village security said they were scouring CCTV for evidence. We just want to hashtag #bringbruceback.”
Australian team officials have placed flyers around the Village calling for Bruce’s return.
“Bruce has been a permanent and popular fixture at Australian Paralympic Team residences since Rio 2016,” Chef de Mission Ben Troy said.
“He’s been through a lot, including being kidnapped during the Paris Paralympics in 2024. We plead for Bruce’s safe and immediate return – no questions asked.”
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Published: 10 March 2026