They are the second-heaviest bird in the world, can sprint faster than Usain Bolt, and the male sits on the eggs.
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There are plenty of quirky facts being shared about the cassowary on Wednesday – World Cassowary Day –which are struggling to survive in the region despite being a massive drawcard and a wonder to many.
The southern cassowary is listed as endangered and in Australia it is only found in North Queensland where it is most at home in lowland rainforests.
As part of World Cassowary Day (September 26) organisations, including Oakvale Wildlife Park in Salt Ash, are joining forces to raise awareness of the north’s ‘big bird’ – and its plight.
“Cassowaries are well-known to people who live in the wet tropics and Cape York, or visitors to the region, but they remain unknown to those who aren’t familiar with this part of the world,” said Bess Murphy from the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre.
“To better protect cassowaries and their world-heritage home, we need the whole world to know about them.”
The centre is the environmental body advocating for the protection of the unique tropical natural environment of Far North Queensland, including its species such as the cassowaries.
On Wednesday, Oakvale will be focusing on the cassowary.
The Salt Ash park is home to one female cassowary named Cassie.
“We have one female cassowary with the plan to acquire a suitable boyfriend for her so that Oakvale Wildlife Park can become involved in the nationwide breeding program,” Oakvale curator Lachlan Gordon said.
There is a cassowary presentation made at the park at 3pm daily where the plight of species is highlighted through an interactive educational presentation.
During Wednesday’s presentation, there will be a particular focus on World Cassowary Day.
The park is also supporting cassowaries through its Save Our Wildlife program. Donations made to the program will be used to support the creatures.
The creatures will also be a feature in talks during its Threatened Species Weekend event on September 29-30.
The public is being invited to learn more about the cassowary by visiting worldcassowaryday.org.
Social media users can also like the World Cassowary Day Facebook page and use the hashtag #LoveCassowaries.
