Rare cassowary chick hatches at Paignton Zoo after 21-year wait

Rare cassowary chick hatches at Paignton Zoo after 21 years (Image: Paignton Zoo)

Paignton Zoo in Devon has welcomed a rare cassowary chick, described as a “baby dinosaur”, marking its first successful breeding of the species in 21 years.

Why is this hatching so significant?
The zoo confirmed it was the only cassowary chick born in Europe in 2025. Cassowaries are considered one of the most challenging bird species to breed and care for. Their rarity makes each successful hatching a boost for the wider European population.

The young bird is being cared for entirely by its father, Madrid. Male cassowaries naturally take on all parenting duties, from incubating the eggs for about 50 days to protecting and guiding the chick for up to 18 months. Lisa Ward, birds team leader, said Madrid had been showing textbook parenting, keeping the chick close and guiding it to food while keeping others away.

What makes cassowaries special?
Cassowaries are big, flightless birds that are found in Australia and New Guinea. They have sharp claws and can reach a height of 1.5 metres. Their prehistoric look has often led to comparisons with dinosaurs.

Pete Smallbones, curator of birds, called the breeding a success born of careful management and understanding. He said cassowaries were difficult to work with, and the chick’s arrival is a welcome boost for the European zoo population.