Cassowary
Name: Southern CassowaryScientific Name: Casuarius casuarius
Basic Information:
As we continue to show off native Australian species, we secured several Southern Cassowaries. You will quickly recognize this large flightless bird from the bright blue face and red nape and wattles. These are big birds that can get to be 1.9 meters (7 feet) tall. Their height is matched by their weight. They are the second largest bird weighing in at just under 200 pounds.
The Cassowary has large claws on its three-toed foot and can quickly run or defend itself from a predator. You will find them in Indonesia, New Guinea, and Australia. They are solitary until breeding season. The male builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and raises the 3-4 chicks.
Habitat Information:
Tropical Rain Forest - Found near and along the equator, tropical rain forests contain the world's most diverse and complex ecosystems. The most famous rain forest is the Amazon of South America, containing amazing species such as the vitória-régia, the world's largest flower, which can grow larger than 6 feet according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Cassowary at Windaroo:
We have a few larger birds at Windaroo. You will find Emu, Cassowary, and Ostrich at several enclosures throughout the zoo.
Related Animals:
Harpy Eagle
Iguana
Okapi
A-Z Animal List