{"id":2141,"date":"2024-04-07T11:47:22","date_gmt":"2024-04-07T01:47:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thingstodoexploringaustralia.com.au\/?p=2141"},"modified":"2024-05-12T10:21:07","modified_gmt":"2024-05-12T00:21:07","slug":"cassowary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thingstodoexploringaustralia.com.au\/?p=2141","title":{"rendered":"Cassowary"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Location<\/span><\/span>
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Cassowary Coast – Innisfail and Mission Beach<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What it is?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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In tropical\u00a0<\/span>Queensland<\/span>, especially in the areas around Innisfail and Mission Beach<\/span>, it is possible to see one of the most intriguing and unique birds.<\/span><\/p>

They are big and flightless, and they kinda resemble a dinosaur. <\/span><\/p>

The Southern Cassowary, a protected species of bird with a bright blue neck and a red wattle. The wattle is not known to have a function, but the size and colour can vary greatly and can be used to differentiate between adult birds. The colour of the wattle can change into a more intense colour when the bird becomes excited i.e. during mating. <\/span><\/p>

It is listed on the Endangered Species list as Vulnerable and is regarded as a \u201ckeystone species\u201d. This means they are fundamental in maintaining the biodiversity of the rainforests ecological system. <\/span><\/p>

Like emus, the cassowary can be just about as tall as a human (1.5m \u2013 1.8m), and even though they are seemingly shy, their giant talon claws (5 inches in length) can inflict injury when necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Therefore, it is not advisable to try to pet or feed a live cassowary.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\"Innisfail<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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What to do?<\/h2><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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If you come to Mission Beach<\/strong>, which is a popular\u00a0day trip from Cairns<\/strong>, there is a chance you will see this bird. Be careful when driving<\/strong>\u00a0in this area as these birds have been known to jump out on the road and cause accidents. In fact, I saw one almost get hit when I was driving through the area last year.\u00a0<\/p>

The roads are lined with signs warning drivers to keep an eye out and to drive with caution. However, if a bird is running up to its max of 50 kilometres per hour out of the forest, it would be extremely hard to catch until very late, especially given their dark body colour.\u00a0<\/p>

While I was living there I saw quite a few people park in dangerous places because they saw a Cassowary and they wanted to jump out of the car and follow it to get a photograph. Please be aware of where you are parking and that other vehicles are utilising the same roads at the same times. Do not put you, your family, the bird, and\/or other road users at risk because you want a photograph.\u00a0<\/p>

Please also be aware that the birds are wild animals, if they get spooked or feel threatened, they will attack. One kick from that dagger-like claw (up to 10cms in length) on their foot will kill you. If you are chasing a dad who is looking after his young, he will be defensive.<\/p>

The Big Cassowary statue<\/strong>\u00a0is a feature in Mission Beach for good reason. It stands 5 meters tall at the shopping complex near Wongaling Beach, and unlike a live cassowary, this one is safe to pet!<\/p>

Hartley\u2019s Crocodile Farm<\/strong> north of Cairns have Cassowary. You can visit there and learn all about the bird if you want to get up close and personal with one.<\/p>

There is a resident bird at Etty Bay<\/strong>. I drove down there a few times but I did not see him.<\/p>

I was told a few fun facts though:<\/p>