Source: BBC
A southern cassowary chick, one of the world’s largest and most dangerous birds, has been successfully hatched at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, for the first time after more than 25 years of breeding efforts. This chick is only the fourth to hatch in Europe this year and the first in the UK since 2021. Part of the European Endangered Species Programme, the chick was born to a male from the Netherlands and a female from Germany, who have been at Birdland since 2012.
Cassowaries, native to New Guinea and northern Australia, are notoriously challenging to breed in captivity due to their specific environmental and behavioral needs. Known for their powerful legs, sharp claws, and aggressive behavior, cassowaries have been involved in fatal attacks. The male incubates the eggs and protects the chicks for up to 16 months, guiding them to feeding grounds.
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