Accountants hatch plans for emu adoption

Price Waterhouse, the accounting giant, has adopted London Zoo's lone emu in a move it claims will encourage clients to focus attentions on the single currency.

Mark Austen, Price Waterhouse's senior partner (pictured above), said it was ironic that the bird had remained unadopted at the Zoo at the same time as many British companies remained in a state of "EMU-denial".

Price Waterhouse will pay for the bird's board and lodging, thought to cost from pounds 1,500 a year, though the emu will remain nameless. According to the Zoo emus are difficult to sex. "We are rather hoping this one will lay an egg and settle the matter," said Fred Smith, the keeper.