Cassowaries

Casuarius casuarius

Cassowaries are large flightless birds that stand between 1.5-2 metres high. Mature adult birds are extremely striking with glossy black plumage and bright blue necks with a touch of red. Rockhampton Zoo is home to one male and one female cassowary, who are part of our Australia Species Management breeding program.

Distribution and habitat	Australia. Limited to dense tropical areas that provide fruit all year round. Only 25% of former cassowary habitats remain.
Conservation status*	Endangered
Population	Between 1000 - 1500
Diet	Eat up to 150 different fruit species.

* Classified by IUCN

Here's Hammy our male cassowary trying to get the camera to capture his best side!