:quality(80))
Southern Cassowary
Paignton Zoo cares for 2 southern cassowaries, male Madrid and female Twiggy. In 2025 they successfully reared a male chick who has since moved onto another zoo collection.
Class:
Aves
Order:
Casuariiformes
Family:
Casuariidae
About the southern cassowary
The southern cassowary is one of the world’s largest birds, standing up to 180 centimetres tall. With glossy black plumage, a bright blue neck, red wattles, and a helmet-like casque, this dinosaur-like bird can look quite imposing.
Native to the tropical forests of Oceania, it feeds on fruit, fungi, and small animals. Cassowaries are vital seed dispersers, helping maintain forest ecosystems.
Conservation
The species is listed as Least Concern globally, though habitat loss, hunting, and road mortality in Australia and New Guinea affect local populations.
Paignton Zoo looks after the EEP (European Endangered Species Breeding Programme) for this species, ensuring that a genetically diverse population of cassowaries is maintained for future safeguarding.