06/09/2021
*Elijah's Animal Insights*
The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius ) is a large, ground dwelling bird native to the rain forests of northeastern Australia and Papua New Guinea. It is one of three species of cassowary, and is considered the most dangerous bird on earth.
They grow up to five and a half feet tall, and can weigh up to 155 lbs, with a 5 inch long blade-like claw on its inner toe, and long porcupine-like quills on its wings. It is a formidable creature.
The cassowary is considered a keystone species. Meaning, it is so vitally important to the health of its ecosystem that, without it, many other species would go extinct. This is because cassowarys eat fruit and spread the seeds throughout the rain forest, providing food and shelter for the other denizens of the jungle.
Sadly, the cassowary is listed as vulnerable to extinction due to deforestation and competition with invasive species, such as wild hogs. Here, at Emerald Coast Zoo, we hope to help educate the public about these beautiful, bizarre and vital creatures so guests might have a greater appreciation for them and seek to help conserve them in their native habitat.
