For the first time, a southern cassowary chick, one of the world’s largest and most dangerous birds, has successfully hatched at a bird park in the Cotswolds. Birdland, located in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, has been attempting to breed these giant, flightless birds for over 25 years.

The newly hatched chick is only the fourth to emerge in Europe this year, and it marks the first cassowary birth in the UK since 2021. Keeper Alistair Keen expressed his excitement, saying, “When we first spotted the tiny chick, it was a truly special moment. Cassowaries are notorious for being among the world’s most dangerous birds. Their size, speed, power, and dagger-like, 10cm claws make their care a serious responsibility.”

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Challenges of Breeding and Conservation Efforts

The southern cassowary, a relative of the emu, hails from the tropical forests of New Guinea and northern Australia. The bird’s reputation for danger stems from its powerful legs, sharp claws, and aggressive nature when threatened. Tragically, there have been instances where cassowaries have fatally attacked humans, with a notable case in 2019 when Marvin Hajos, 75, was killed by one of his pet cassowaries.

The southern cassowary chick is only the fourth known to have hatched in Europe this year (Image: Birdland Park & Gardens/SWNS)

The proud parents of the new chick—a male from Avifauna in Alphen, Netherlands, and a female from Frankfurt, Germany—have been residing at Birdland since 2012. They are part of the European Endangered Species Programme, which aims to preserve threatened species.