Southern cassowary
Casuarius casuarius
We have two Southern cassowaries at the zoo, Billy, a male born in 2002 and Sydney, a female born in 2003.
Population
Decreasing
Diet
Omnivore
Habitat
Rainforest
Fact file
Cassowaries have a 12cm dagger-like inner toe and can deliver powerful two-footed kicks at anyone they think might be a “threat” to them or their chicks
They feed on fruit fallen to the forest floor but also rodents and small birds
How we're helping
Like all the animals in our care our Southern cassowaries are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.
As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.
Find out more about RZSS conservation