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.
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Distribution and habitat
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Australia. Limited to dense tropical areas that provide fruit all year round. Only 25% of former cassowary habitats remain.
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Conservation status*
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Endangered
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Population
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Between 1000 - 1500
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Diet
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Eat up to 150 different fruit species.
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* Classified by IUCN
Here's Hammy our male cassowary trying to get the camera to capture his best side!