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Ripe fruit plunks to the ground and rolls to the road at my left. That instant, the cassowary bursts from a tangle of ferns outside Clump Mountain National Park near Mission Beach, Australia. The bird's sharp beak is pointed roughly at my neck. Her eyes bulge. She probably weighs about 140 pounds, and as she thumps past me her red wattles swing to and fro and her black feathers give off an almost menacing shimmer. Local residents call her Barbara, but somehow the name doesn't fit the creature in front of me. She looks like a giant, prehistoric turkey—a turkey, however, that could disembowel me with a swipe of its nearly five-inch claws. Luckily, she just wants the mango, which she scoops up whole and mashes with her beak.
Although many of Australia's mammals are, to North Americans anyway, infamous oddballs—from the duck-billed platypus to the eucalyptus-munching koala—the cassowary is gaudy proof that its birds can be just as strange. The southern cassowary is related to the emu and native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and northern Australia. (Two other smaller cassowary species live in New Guinea.) Fewer than 1,500 southern cassowaries live in Australia, where they are endangered; much of their Queensland rain-forest habitat has been cleared for sugar cane and banana plantations.
While programs to protect koalas, which are not an endangered species, draw in millions of dollars in donations, cassowary conservation just squeaks by in the arid continent's last tropical outpost. But the ruggedly independent folk of Queensland feel a bond with their local emblem of biodiversity—everything from stuffed toys to cassowary-themed wind chimes can be purchased along the Cassowary Coast—perhaps out of respect for a flightless creature that's able to eke out an existence despite suffocating heat and devastating storms. And like the cassowaries, Queenslanders have long felt underappreciated; indeed, some urbanites in Sydney and Melbourne refer to them as "banana-benders," as if they have nothing better to do than put the crook in tropical fruit.
But the ornery cassowary is not an easy creature to love. In fact, it ranks as the world's most dangerous bird, at least according to Guinness World Records. A cassowary can charge up to 30 miles an hour and leap more than 3 feet in the air. On each foot are three claws—one slightly curved like a scimitar, the other two straight as daggers—that are so sharp New Guinea tribesmen slide them over spear points. The last person known to have been killed by a cassowary was 16-year-old Phillip McLean, whose throat was punctured on his Queensland ranch in 1926. There have been plenty of close calls since: people have had ribs broken, legs cracked and flesh gashed.
In Mission Beach (pop. 992), two hours south of Cairns, cassowaries have lately come out of the forest, cruising the streets and looking, it seems, for trouble. They peck at bedroom windows, chase cars and tangle with pet terriers.
Townspeople are divided over what to do about the invasion. Many want the birds back in the forest. But others enjoy feeding them, even though that's against the law. They claim that the birds need the handouts: a 15-year drought, a building boom and Cyclone Larry in 2006 wiped out many of the area's native fruit trees, which were prime cassowary food. One woman told me she spends $20 per week on bananas and watermelons for a pair of local birds named Romeo and Mario. "I feed them," she said. "I always have and I always will."
Biologists say she's not doing the birds a favor. "A fed bird is a dead bird," the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service insists on posters and brochures, underscoring the idea that luring the birds into town endangers them. Since the cyclone, some 20 cassowaries, out of a local population of perhaps 100, have died after being hit by cars or attacked by dogs. Wildlife wardens—clad in chain-saw chaps and groin protectors and wielding giant nets—regularly transport problem cassowaries to more suitable habitat.
To see how life in the cul-de-sacs of Mission Beach has affected the largest native land animal in northern Australia, I visited the Garners Beach cassowary rehabilitation facility five miles north of town. Steve Garrad, a conservation officer for the Australian Rainforest Foundation, was wearing a dirt-streaked khaki outfit and a pair of gaiters to ward off the region's infernal leeches. We entered a pen where a knee-high cassowary chick was zipping along like a teenager on a skateboard. Rocky had been plucked from a dog's mouth in South Mission Beach a few months earlier. Cassowary chicks are striped for camouflage, and Rocky seemed to vanish in the shady enclosure. We finally cornered him near an artificial pond. "It'll lose those stripes in three months' time," Garrad said, "and become a pretty ugly-looking mousy brown." In about a year, Rocky will burst into his adult colors and develop wattles and the species' most remarkable feature: the casque atop its head.
It's an odd structure, neither horn nor bone; it has a hard covering but is spongy inside and somewhat flexible overall. Some researchers have speculated that cassowaries use the strange protuberance as a crash helmet to deflect thick foliage while running through the jungle, or perhaps as a weapon for settling territorial disputes. Ornithologists in New Guinea have proposed another function: amplifier. They reported seeing cassowaries inflate their necks, vibrate their bodies and emit a pulsing boom that drops below the threshold of human hearing. "An unsettling sensation," is how one author described standing in front of a thrumming bird.
Cassowary males and females look pretty much the same when they're young, but females eventually grow about a foot taller, reaching some six feet. They start breeding at age 4 or 5 and can live 40 years or more. The birds are solitary aside from brief encounters during the breeding season. Females abandon their one-pound eggs soon after laying them, and males build a rudimentary nest on the forest floor and incubate up to five eggs for almost two months. After chicks hatch, they follow the male for six to nine months as he protects them from predators such as wild pigs and dogs, and guides them to fruit trees within a home range several hundred acres in size. Scientists studying cassowary scat have identified the seeds of 300 plant species, making the bird a key player in spreading rain-forest plants over great distances.
At the rehab center, Rocky retreated back into the shadows. He has made a full recovery after his encounter with the dog. Adult male cassowaries will adopt orphaned chicks, and Garrad hoped to find a surrogate dad in the wild that would rear Rocky. Garrad said it's sometimes hard to send the little ones off to an uncertain fate, but the best thing for wildlife is to return to the wild.
Brendan Borrell is based in Brooklyn.
Is there a way to help support these birds and their continued existence?
Posted by Melody McKamey on October 2,2008 | 03:07PM
I would think birders from everywhere would be coming down there in big groups to see this bird. If not, the people there should hire a p.r. firm to connect with tour sales- people to advertise what a wonder they have. Mary Ann Nutter
Posted by Mary Ann Nutter on October 2,2008 | 09:07PM
I think that the Govt should build a special plsce for them since their natural homes have been destroyed....they were here first after all. I'm happy that the one lady feeds them she's a special person, the world needs more like her!!!! Thanks for letting me air my feelings. Joyce
Posted by joyce pugh on October 2,2008 | 11:18PM
Give them a place to live, require developers to place a certain amount of land under easement in a collective track giving them the space thy need to survive with minimal conflict from the unnatural world of humans.
Posted by Barb Moore on October 3,2008 | 06:45AM
Editor's note, in answer to Melody's post: To learn more about cassowaries in general, check out the "Related Links" we have included to the right of the article. Also, the Australian Rainforest Foundation's website includes a page titled "How You Can Help the Cassowary." You can find it at: http://www.arf.net.au/operationbigbird/cassowaryhelp.html Thank you for your interest!
Posted by Amanda Bensen on October 3,2008 | 08:46AM
That looks like the bird from the movie Ferngully
Posted by Rachel on October 4,2008 | 10:08AM
Interesting..
Posted by Simo on October 4,2008 | 10:09AM
A beautiful bird, i'd say but I guess some might find the size abit intimidating. That notwithstanding, should we wait until just a few hundreds are left before a mad rush i amde to rasie funds for their conservation. The media should be copted to raise awareness of this unique bird.
Posted by Victor Turner on October 4,2008 | 10:13AM
LOL! let them be they are just animals.....
Posted by bob on October 4,2008 | 10:21AM
a giant, prehistoric turkey—a turkey? 140 lbs? boy they look like they would make a delicious thanks giving dinner!! =P yummy!
Posted by boy they do look like they would make a delicious thanks giving dinner! =P yummy! on October 4,2008 | 10:23AM
these birds r very uniqe. we need to keep them arond, after all they were here first.
Posted by Mackenzie carroll on October 4,2008 | 10:24AM
I think that the gov. should be aware of these dangers and instead of lying around, they should give Australia and Africa and other countries the help and safety they need. Seriously. And yea, there should be a special place for these birds. Dangerous animals and endangered animals should be treated carefully.
Posted by Farah Hussain on October 4,2008 | 10:25AM
"Although many of Australia's mammals are, to North Americans anyway, infamous oddballs—from the duck-billed platypus to the eucalyptus-munching koala—the cassowary is gaudy proof that its birds can be just as strange." NEWSFLASH! ALL of Australia's animals are different from the rest of the world. After Pangea they were left to evolve by themselves.
Posted by on October 4,2008 | 10:25AM
The bird is a piece of art...just beautiful!
Posted by Trenton on October 4,2008 | 10:26AM
what i dont understand is that the world protects tigers, bears, rhinos, and a slew of other carnivores. Animals perfectly capable of ripping your parts off and eating them for lunch. These birds are simply very territorial. They eat fruit. They deserve to be protected just as much as any of the other more cute and fluffy endangered species. And while I do admire the special people that are feeding these wonderful creatures, I agree that it probably isnt doing them any favors. They need a wild life preserve where they can live and breed and eat without being bothered by man kind. Australia and New zeland are such wonderful strange lands with such wonderful strange creatures, they should be protected and preserved no matter how cute or ugly they are.
Posted by carmen nolette on October 4,2008 | 10:26AM
This bird is ENDANGERED, there should be NO question of "fear or feed". We have a chance to save an endangered species & it's being questioned? I agree w/Joyce Pugh about the lady that feeds them...good for her! There are plenty of predatory animals that no one would question saving if they became endangered. Why this poor bird? All this species is doing is trying to survive where it can. HELP THEM! Build a refuge or something but please don't let them have to be extinct when it is clear that we can do something.
Posted by Laurie on October 4,2008 | 10:26AM
the velociraptors ancestor...
Posted by steve on October 4,2008 | 10:28AM
Hi Brendon, I would like to visit Austrailia someday soon, and was intrigued by your story of the bird,Cassowaries. I hope I don't come into the path of one of those gigantic birds. I lived in Avon, Indiana for 12 yrs. recently, and we had large geese that would come up to people after chruch and charge them! They found that most of the time they were protecting they're young in a nest nearby. I also heard they were going to release a larger bird into that territory in Indiana, that had a wing span of 4 ft., and stood 5 ft.? I never saw them, but was sort of glad. I think it would frighten me. I like to put bird seed in my bird feeders in my yard, black sunflower seeds, and the seed goes quick. I walk outside and whistle to the birds, a tune I learned from the red Cardinal in Indiana. The whistle was a sound like he was whistling at me, but then would laugh sound. I tried it on a few of the birds around here, and have found they mock me with the same sound! It's fun. Anyway, back to my original reason of writing to you, besides what was stated above, is "A fed bird, is a dead bird?" Does that mean I should not put bird feeders in my yard? Please help. Thank you. Sincerely, Kathy Sorrell
Posted by Kathy Sorrell on October 4,2008 | 10:29AM
well you can feed them but as the scienctists and the govt say a fed bird is a dead bird. only because they are wild animals and they will keep coming back and eventually be extinct if they keep being fed by humans.
Posted by Sarah on October 4,2008 | 10:32AM
I'm a long time sub-scriber of Smithsonian. I hope this article brings awareness to this bird's plight! What an extraordinary creature this is & those going to visit Australia should try to see this amazing bird and would help the local economy by doing so. I have to wonder if looking at a cassowary, up close and personal, is like looking into the eyes of something nearly pre-historical. Great article guys! Linda Alvarado
Posted by Linda Alvarado on October 4,2008 | 10:33AM
I was born, bred and raised in far North Queensland - cassowary territory. They are extraordinarily shy creatures and the fact they are coming into towns is indicative of natural food deprivation. The removal of their habitat has more to do with the tourisr boom than with farming. Penning them into an area and subjecting them to being peered at by tour groups is a certain recipe for extinction. The answer is to declare their habitat a sanctuary and forbid development and tourism. Cassowaries are just the most visible of the rain forest creatures that are under attack and need to be left alone. They can all look after themselves, and have done so for millenia.
Posted by Lawrence Pane on October 4,2008 | 10:33AM
What a great bird! I think they look beautiful! But I must say - I am glad they are NOT here in the States! Dangerous to us humans! I do believe they need to be protected though. They are creatures that need to be preserved for ages to come.
Posted by Pauline Lavey on October 4,2008 | 10:35AM
I met a retired gentleman who owned about fifty acres of land on the outskirts of Albuquerque, which is where I live. He has two cassowaries for pets. I stood on the outside of a large fenced in area and, oh, about five minutes went by when a cassowary appeared, regal, commanding, beautiful. This bird took a look at me and suddenly sprang forward towards me. I wondered if I should leave but held my ground. About twenty feet away from me the cassowary stopped, stared at me, then shifted and struck a pose - beak pointed to the air, stance formal, wings slightly outspread. I was so charmed that I did the same thing and we stood together for about five minutes, unmoving and yet, so impressive. I love their royal stance, their pride, their showmanship.
Posted by Elaine Kirker on October 4,2008 | 10:36AM
Is there somewhere or a web site where you can donate money
Posted by Seth on October 4,2008 | 10:36AM
Aussie need to find a way to save those birds- and stop taking there natural space call home away from them all the animals are your national treasures protect them
Posted by kate on October 4,2008 | 10:37AM
Interesting, The birds ARE dangerous, but deserve a place to live as well. The G'vment should deal with this mannerly, I mean after all, isnt it a huge controversy about letting species die? They should do something.
Posted by Jeremy Roxburgh on October 4,2008 | 10:38AM
Wow, I had never heard of this bird until I read this article. There definitely needs to be some publicity put out for its conservation, especially since it spreads so many rain forest seeds. Also, I have to disagree with the comment about the lady feeding the two birds. Doing so encourages the animals to venture closer to the habitat of their human counterparts and, as stated in the article, puts the birds at risk for being hit by cars, attacked by dogs, and maybe even shot by people that feel threatened. For the safety of the birds, which are endangered, this lady (and others like her) needs to stop feeding the birds. If she feels so passionately about feeding them, perhaps a better alternative would be to deposit her offerings somewhere within the birds' natural habitat.
Posted by Jane D. on October 4,2008 | 10:38AM
To Mary Ann Nutter: If we are to learn anything from this article, it wouls seem a better idea to leave the birds and the locale alone. The habitat seems to be diminishing and the birds disappearing. More visitors and habitat disturbance seem to be contraindicated. It sounds like a donation to the Australian Rainforest Foundation might be more helpful. It seems they have their hands full with the existing situation and may not appreciate added complications caused by curiosity seekers.
Posted by Al Weissman on October 4,2008 | 10:40AM
joyce, i think you are missing the point. That lady who is feeding the bird is basically giving it a dead sentence.
Posted by hellfire on October 4,2008 | 10:41AM
When my little brother was in first grade he tried to show his teddy bear to a cassowary at the zoo. It tried to peck the bears eye out while he held it. I think they're amazing birds and something needs to be done to restore their habitat, but I know I wouldn't want to meet one on the street!
Posted by Karley on October 4,2008 | 10:41AM
I spent ten and a half months in Papau New Guinea and had the oppurtunity to see some cassowaries at a wildlife refuge. I couldn't have been more than ten feet away from them. They are amazing birds!
Posted by Jerusha on October 4,2008 | 10:42AM
We need to balance the need between humans, who need the farmland to grow food, and these cassowaries that need forest to sustain them. I hope the Austrailian government can do more to halt the destruction of these creatures' habitat before they become extinct.
Posted by Thomas S. Beers on October 4,2008 | 10:42AM
so others destroy natural habitats also? that bird exists for a reason, and that reason is to help man. all we have to do is find out that birds purpose and use it, that's what it's here for so preserve it!
Posted by dwayne belton on October 4,2008 | 10:42AM
geezz..pls...yes perhaps they are dangerous,but why ppl wont look at the reason why do they become dangerous? that's because they are threaten by the human...as Joyce said,we destroyed their home...it's us who act first...so when they attack us why we put the blame on them? they act just like living creatures should act to keep themselves alive... why won't the government do some act to save them instead of saying things like 'will do some research',etc.. animals are also part of this earth :'(
Posted by Mirna on October 4,2008 | 10:42AM
These beautiful diverse creatures of nature need, nay "deserve" thier own space, as do we. "Oh" when will we learn to live "with" our planet? Not "ON" it! For if we don't, we are surely doomed...
Posted by Charles D. Poulin on October 4,2008 | 10:43AM
I'd say chickens have killed more people than cassowaries (when not cooked properly.) Wouldn't that make chickens the most dangerous bird?
Posted by j g collins on October 4,2008 | 10:43AM
I agree with Joyce Pugh. The Government is alway doing something for everybody else. The Government should be taking care of it's resources like the people, the plants, and the animals. We're all apart of the Circle of Life.
Posted by Amy Barksdale on October 4,2008 | 10:44AM
I am not what you would call a conservationist by any means but I do believe that all animals have a right to exist. These animals should be supported and protected, not left to be wiped out by deforestation and famine from multiple reasons, they should be protected. Is there any way I can help? I would like to know.
Posted by Gabe on October 4,2008 | 10:44AM
What an amazing story. It really is something to read about different exotic animals the world over. Maybe the biggest thing would to make sure these birds could survive where they would be able to spread their scat so they can keep repopulating the vegetation. After all, if they are key players in that sense, would it not make sense they would be better off eventually "building" their own habitat.
Posted by Joshua on October 4,2008 | 10:44AM
Fantastic! They remind me of something utterly prehistoric!! I wonder if they might be genetically modified to resemble Velociraptors? (I also wonder how they taste...!) -Leonard Matusik RN-MSN Lenoir NC
Posted by Leonard Matusik on October 4,2008 | 10:44AM
we have to understand their natures, we need to take care of them not kill them, lions, crocs,gators, sharks, snakes,and so on is dangerous to people but we keep and take care of them why not these bird? thank you.
Posted by grace on October 4,2008 | 10:46AM
I think the lady feeding her is a bad idea because than the bird gets deppendent on the person for food and will not find any food for its self
Posted by Jery on October 4,2008 | 10:49AM
all animals have their place in our lives. SAVE THEM. OUR SPACE IS GETTING LARGER. THEIR LIVES/SPACES ARE SMALLER. AGAIN, SAVE THEM. They ARE our lifelines to a better world. We need them---they need us. Even in my small kitchen window in Libertyville, IL, I marvel at the migration of the robins at this time of the year. They are small. We need to take care of ALL animals, birds, whatever, to secure the life/fun/wonderment of our places in life to show our children how important we are and the world right outside the window. This summer with the locusts, tree frogs, crickets, oh yes, even the darned mosquitoes----all are so important. Please let me know what I can do.
Posted by marilyn stolarik on October 4,2008 | 10:51AM
I had never heard of the Cassowaries. Yours was a most interestinig article, glad I found it. This bird should definately be on Australia's endangered list and be protected. Too many of natures creatures have already disapppeared forever.
Posted by David Sullivan on October 4,2008 | 10:51AM
These beautiful creatures like all of the natural inhabitants of this earth should be protected at all cost, it saddens me that so many people in this world believe there expansion and greed entitles them to dominate, destroy and limit the natural envirement of so many species. I fear one day we will all pay a serious price for destroying so much of the natural beauty of this earth in the name of progress.
Posted by Kevin Cecile on October 4,2008 | 10:53AM
a surrogate dad in the wild that would rear Rocky. Garrad said it's sometimes hard to send the little ones off to an uncertain fate, but the best thing for wildlife is to return to the wild
Posted by kissme on October 4,2008 | 10:54AM
in my opinion ......i think that the govt. need a special places for these birds ..... and i think that feeding them is 2 dangerous... because one of these days their going to hurt us.....or start killin us......and i think that people have the right to kill them if they hurt them .....?
Posted by reyna on October 4,2008 | 10:54AM
wow!
Posted by nabiha ghori on October 4,2008 | 10:56AM
It sounds like this is a pretty amazing bird, and I really enjoyed reading about this creature. It would be nice to have some system in place that would not only take care of these birds but allow them to thrive once again. I am glad that there is at least a sanctuary for them.
Posted by Kishen Jackson on October 4,2008 | 10:57AM
I've never seen a cassowary but they are one of God's creatures and should be helped if possible.Humans are taking away habitat for wildlife at a very alarming rate. I donate to wildlife causes when I can and hope others do too. Someday maybe man will be on the endangered species list if he's not careful.
Posted by Linda Fenton on October 4,2008 | 10:58AM
What are they good for?
Posted by Johann on October 4,2008 | 10:58AM
Just because these birds are dangerous doesn't mean they shouldn't be protected. We protect bears, tigers, and wolves, don't we? Just because they aren't as pretty as big cats doesn't mean they shouldn't be protected. I applaud anyone who is feeding these birds and helping them out. They're living creatures, just like us.
Posted by Brianna on October 4,2008 | 10:59AM
Keep them safe dont kill them
Posted by Rebecca on October 4,2008 | 10:59AM
Why isn't the governament stepping in to help these birds? Everyother endangered species is protected why are these birds left to fend for themselves. I applaud the lady feeding Romeo and Mario, at least she is trying to help the poor birds. If the government doesnt want citizens to feed them than they should be doing more to help keep them out of the neighborhoods were the birds can get food.
Posted by Kathi on October 4,2008 | 11:01AM
Fascinating specie, a direct decent of dinosaur...
Posted by peter berry on October 4,2008 | 11:01AM
i agree joyce and i too am happy that there is some people who want to help melody if you find a way to help tell me cause i want to do anything to help wildlife
Posted by tam on October 4,2008 | 11:01AM
I smiled when I read that some people feed cassowaries even though it is against the law. It's human nature. We feel sorry for the plight of the poor, so I understand why some people prefer to feed this type of mammal even though they're breaking the law. I also hope that the Australian gov't. will give more funds or create a program that will let this species out of extinction. To the writer, "Thank You," for the very interesting article. I never know there was such bird that exist until today. Thanks....
Posted by Sandra GP on October 4,2008 | 11:01AM
hey were here first after all. I'm happy that the one lady feeds them she's a special person, the world needs more like her!!!!
Posted by maeangir24504 on October 4,2008 | 11:02AM
feeding them is killing them. If you feed the birds you may think you are doing them a favor...and for a short time you are...but in the long run they will become dependent on people to feed them and they will no long have the instincts to go out and get their own food.
Posted by Rachel on October 4,2008 | 11:03AM
They are beautiful, if a bit scary looking, birds. We saw some on a reserve while in Australia. The government has done so much to preserve it's wonderful places and marvelous creatures--I hope that they will also work to keep these birds habitat preserved.
Posted by katina on October 4,2008 | 11:03AM
The cassowary is such an interesting bird! I would love if anyone could e-mail other interesting sites about this subject matter. Thanks! derrick.mccluskey@mabarn.ang.af.mil
Posted by Derrick McCluskey on October 4,2008 | 11:04AM
I think they should be protected. You may not know exactly what "good" they are at the moment, but once they're gone, they're gone and you won't be able to get back their benefit. God didn't put anything here that didn't need to be here for one reason or another. If Man is the reason the birds are becoming extinct, then Man needs to protect them until such time as God takes them out and their reason for being here is truly finished. We watch out for other not so friendly creatures, big and small, just add this one to the list and stay outta its way!!
Posted by Susan Rasmussen on October 4,2008 | 11:04AM
These birds are GOD's creatures, just as we are. They should be protected by all those who are fortunate enough to live where these birds live!! What a horrible shame it would be if the species was somehow wiped out to due man's negligence!!
Posted by Mary Cowart on October 4,2008 | 11:04AM
I watched an episode about Steve Erwin @ his zoo and the episode was about how there was a construction crew on the outskirts of the zoo. The noise from the construction was bothering the animals so much that a female Cassowary jumped the fence. If Steve had to close the zoo just to get that bird where it needed to be.... clearly it's a dangerous bird. If they are coming out into neighborhoods and causing problems then yes, I think the zoo people should put them in zoo's or habitats. Feeding them isn't a good idea. They could still attack and the saying "a fed wild animal is a dead wild animal". Writing from R.I. Home of the good 'ol U.S.A.
Posted by April Nett on October 4,2008 | 11:04AM
Wow scary creature but beautiful nonetheless, hopefully they can be saved. We don't kill other 'dangerous' animals just because they are dangerous to us. Too bad the cassowary can't teach some of these human males on child-rearing!
Posted by April on October 4,2008 | 11:05AM
I think it is about time that we protect all species of animals. regardless if we think it is ugly or cute. All animals have a place on this planet and we should help them any way we can as we are the ones who are making it impossible for them to live a natural life in the wild.
Posted by Pearl on October 4,2008 | 11:05AM
All of you have positive in sights on what could and should be done. I agree with all of you, and I wish there was a way to help- fact is, though, that humans have already made 99% of all animal and plant species that USED TO exist extinct. Just saving this bird isn't going to change much, but sure- lets help the thing.
Posted by Mohammad Samman on October 4,2008 | 11:05AM
I would like to help, too. I hate to see a creature face extinction by virtue of not being cute and cuddly. Excellent article, very vivid writing.
Posted by WI Dogmom on October 4,2008 | 11:06AM
There are some species that just shouldn't exist and this one is certainly one of them.
Posted by Jim on October 4,2008 | 11:06AM
The Aborigines were in Australia first, so everyone else should leave the continent. The Australians could go to North, Central or South America but there were indigenous people there first, so all of those people should move. Or, the Ozzie's could stop farming on the land where animals and plant life were before the farms were there, that way the cassowary would not be disturbed. It's a very kind though Joyce but its just not practical. Neither is restricting building and giving up a way of life. The encroachment of habitat needs to be managed, however in my honest opinion hand feeding the cassowary or any animals in the wild will only inhibit their ability to adapt naturally. Thereby, promoting their destruction as a species. Just my take. Cheers!
Posted by Mother on October 4,2008 | 11:07AM
I appreciate the empathy people have towards seemingly defenseless animals that come into our communities, but wild animals are NOT PETS. They will not subjugate to your will, no matter how much you 'train' them, with often very dangerous consequences. I live in Southeastern Michigan, where Canadian geese regularly use suburban man-made ponds as stop over resting points on their way south. Over many years, people have accepted their presence as 'part of the beautiful fall scenery', and have feed the geese who seem quite tame. In the past three years, a problem has developed that the geese have STOPPED MIGRATING. They remain in these suburban areas, where food is plentiful, breeding abundantly and causing moderate property damage. The most alarming thing is that the geese have become extremely aggressive, often attacking people for food or in defense of their territory. Imagine trying to get into your office, only to find it blocked by 4 foot attack goose! Fortunately, we have a exemplary animal control organization, the Michigan Human Society. On one hand, their saving pit bulls from torturous dog fighting, and then rescuing office workers from these vicious geese. The point is, though beautiful and wonderful to look at, wild animals should NOT be fed by local citizenry. God has placed a delicate balance in our world, we shouldn't compound the injury already inflicted on it.
Posted by Kristen Miller on October 4,2008 | 11:07AM
Yeah the world needs more people to not follow the instructions of biologists and keep feeding the birds.So they then get used to it and cant or wont go and feed themselves.So when those same birds start killing the local cats and dogs you can become horrified and want them removed.What a ridiculously close minded view.
Posted by Brian Hansen on October 4,2008 | 11:09AM
Joyce- Did you not read that a fed bird is a dead bird? This is coming from profesional wildlife mangement people, why would they lie? It's also common knowledge that the more you feed wild animals the more they depend on you, and guess what that aint natural. If you love wildlife let them be WILD. The world does not need more people feeding these animals. I find it very disgusting how egosentric people are these days, it's not up to you to decide how a wild animal should be fed it's up to the animal! The world does NOT revolve around you. Animals live and animals die that's part of life, it's called natural selection.
Posted by Jason on October 4,2008 | 11:10AM
"I think that the Govt should build a special plsce for them since their natural homes have been destroyed" Exactly.
Posted by BoB on October 4,2008 | 11:10AM
They sound amazing. I hope I get the chance to see them one day.
Posted by Sasha on October 4,2008 | 11:11AM
I agree with the QPWS on the feeding practices. One ought to head out of town to plant trees or something, or better, consult with people trained and experienced in wild animal welfare. As for the bird itself, it's encyclopedia time.
Posted by Clemente Vicente Forosan on October 4,2008 | 11:12AM
These birds needs to be redistibuted in other non-historical areas to assist in diversifying other botanical species that are are endangered by allowing them to consume certain types of seeds to replentish the ecology. Sand storm in Australia is caused by lack of vision and proper planning, with so many inmates in prison, they should have infused the manpower from that source to assist in saving the wild life. Extinction is mainly caused lack of vision, lack of the human touch of kindness, lack of all to see what is important besides money and eventually we humanity will suffer from what we destroy by negligence, arrogance, greed and mostly stupidity. We have the resources to make a better planet for all, but it will need more than just show case mentality, it will need some brains on a collective scale to contribute any form of resources to protect the birds, after all, God made them first before God made us, the reason why we are made last, is because we are more dangerous than all the creatures and we walk around thinking we are superior than all. We suffer from mental moranic constipation of illusions and pitiful excuses as human beings.
Posted by Chin-Tai on October 4,2008 | 11:12AM
we ought to just kill the birds....get rid of all of them!!!!!
Posted by tim pickett on October 4,2008 | 11:13AM
I'm excited to see a story covering these magnificent creatures. I'm a student at Texas A & M who recently completed a study abroad Fiji/Australia on natural environments/resources, and had the privilage of seeing one of these prehistoric looking species. The most ciritcal threat to their survival has been habitat fragmentation. Even with land preserved or conserved, so much of it has been diced by agriculture and interlaced with dangerous roadways(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/109566113_a642b34edd.jpg?v=1167969224). Their ecological role in the Daintree ecosystem is invaluable, without which approximately 50 species of endemic flora would not be able to germinate without the Cassowarry digesting their fruits. However dangerous these creatures can be, their "invasion" is a facade for our true encroachment. One Paul O'Dowd was so honored, while hosting a tour of the Daintree, to have a Cassowarry literally fall in line with his group, following them passively and peaceful (if not with incredible intrigue to the informative tour) without incident whatsoever.
Posted by Shannon Slivinske on October 4,2008 | 11:13AM
they're here to help mind. all you have to do is find the bird's purpose and use it to the benefit of man. it's a beautiful bird save it!
Posted by dwayne belton on October 4,2008 | 11:13AM
I don't agree with Joyce. If more people fed these birds, then they would become dependant on people and wander into cities like the article says. People don't need to feed wild animals because if they do the animal is going to forget how to get food on its own. That's why many national parks have signs saying feeding the animals is illegal. If more people feed these birds like Joyce wants, then their population will decrease as more are hit by cars, killed by dogs, and die from not knowing how to search for food on their own.
Posted by Mike on October 4,2008 | 11:14AM
i have never seen anything like this bird. it is amazing what GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER has made. it never ceases to amaze me.GOD is so wonderful AMEN
Posted by Charity J. Barnett on October 4,2008 | 11:14AM
Barbara is a perfect name for that bird. It roughly means tough in spanish
Posted by crazybird on October 4,2008 | 11:17AM
I think that humans are more special than birds and should be allowed to exterminate the birds of they are a nuisance. The govt shouldn't be asked to step in an spend taxpayer money for a fence, but a non-profit could raise funds and do that.
Posted by Rich on October 4,2008 | 11:18AM
So is this what happened to velociraptor type dinosaurs? Interesting.
Posted by jwb on October 4,2008 | 11:19AM
These birds are beautiful!! I think that it is amazing how tall the females get!!!6ft...Geez that makes me feel so short!! Anyay I wish I could help with these amazing animals they are so neat!! I love those BIG, HUGE yellow eyes!!! No animal should have to "eek" out an existance ever, no matter what kind of animal they are. I also know feeding wildlife can have negative consequences, but these birds need the positive attention and care. The woman who is feeding them may be doing them a service by helping them get much needed sustanince. Maybe they should be given more love, weird as it sounds, I do think it is a mildly good thing that they have not been brought to the worlds attention too. If they were noticed to much fashionistas may start wearing cassowary feather coats, skirts and other terrible horrifiying things. Attention is as much good as it can be harmful.
Posted by Kae on October 4,2008 | 11:20AM
What an awesome bird from the past..The AUSSIE government should set up a reserve for these last ones..Of course there will be poaching and indians using the feathers ?? and animal for food..But there needs to be a safe haven before human greed and habitat destruction takes this birds from real life to fiction. Austrailia is blessed tp have such interesting animals and birds...If they were in the usa they would be extinct before governent paperwork and decisions could be made.
Posted by AARON on October 4,2008 | 11:20AM
One has to ask how, in this day and age with the information we have, can the Australian goverment allow the distruction of rain forest habitat. Especially in a country that is primarily desert. I think the best we can do is to donate to and implore the Rain Forest Conservancy to start buying up land in Australia and returning it back to rain forest. Best for the planet and the Cassowary.
Posted by Mathius Mack Gertz on October 4,2008 | 11:21AM
this is intresting that this bird was harmful plus i didn't know that it was alive
Posted by sarah higgins on October 4,2008 | 11:23AM
Dear Brendan: According to what you writed, the name "Barbara" becomes very much to that bird, because in latin and spanish, Barbara mean "barbarian, savage". Great article!
Posted by Misael Loera C. on October 4,2008 | 11:23AM
I saw a cassowary when I was in Australia 10 years ago. They are magnificent creatures and it's my fervent hope that they can be saved. If we can save whales, we can save them!!
Posted by Jacquie on October 4,2008 | 11:24AM
If you think about it though, that woman really isn't helping. Luring the birds into cities only puts them in more danger. However, they do need a place that can keep the birds safe.
Posted by Bee on October 4,2008 | 11:25AM
Why not institute a feeding program in the forest, like is done with recently released orphaned primates. This would draw them back into the forest and out of the city. I sympathize with the feelings of the woman who feeds them, but agree that not doing so is in the best interests of the birds. The feeding station(s) could possibly become a tourist draw if advertised as such, bringing money to the community that would help feed the birds and benefit the townspeople as well
Posted by Susan Glarum on October 4,2008 | 11:26AM
beautiful bird they should build it a nice home when it come and go when it pleases anf protect it at all times.its super special and rare. Im overjoyed that someone is feeding it like joyce said.but people have to leave alone and stop hunting them cause soon there will be nomore. WHAT IF ANIMALS WERE US AND WE WERE THEM WE WOULDNT WANT TO HUNTED. WOULD WE?
Posted by miley on October 4,2008 | 11:28AM
Normally Cassowaries are very shy but when cornered can lash out dangerously with their claws so they should be protected from people not the other way around.
Posted by Angele on October 4,2008 | 11:28AM
Kinda makes me think that whole "dinosaurs evolved into birds" theory has some validity now
Posted by Jason on October 4,2008 | 11:28AM
i think if these birds are protected more from human existance and are hidden and protected they will suvive, once more people start seeing them people might kill them by accident or on purpose
Posted by Sarah on October 4,2008 | 11:29AM
Dangerous or not we need to protect this fading speices. I mean, we love sharks and lions and snakes and bears dont we? Why should we feel differently about these birds?
Posted by Anna Birkholz on October 4,2008 | 11:29AM
To save most wildlife it is and will be a trade-off to save wildlife humans die we need to much room(food and shelter), to save humanity nature dies that`s the way it is for now anyway who knows in 300-500 yrs we might learn to live WITH nature any bets on that though??? IF ppl actually WANT to do anything they might who knows try PLANTING SOME FRUIT TREES might help, as it`s not very likely ppl will stop destroying their habitat any time SOON which WOULD help them.
Posted by Bryan on October 4,2008 | 11:30AM
Did you catch the part about a fed bird is a dead bird? Feeding them lures them back into town where 20 of 100 were killed.... seriously
Posted by mike on October 4,2008 | 11:30AM
Those who would like to provide food should donate it to a local forestry or environmental group for the care of the birds. In turn, the forestry or environmental group should place the provisions in the natural habitat of the birds. Thus, solving the problem of keeping the birds in their normal surroundings until the re-growth of the natural food supply returns.
Posted by Sharix on October 4,2008 | 11:30AM
Forget the birds, how about taking that $20 a week and sponsoring starving children!!! Think of how many children could be clothed and fed and educated in the millions of dollars a year that go to these different animals instead went to needy children and vaccinations the world over!
Posted by Travis Cole on October 4,2008 | 11:31AM
The thing is they were here first but have you ever thought that maybe certain species were meant to go extinct. I mean humans cause most extinctions but what about the natural progression of a species where if it cannot adapt it dies. I am all for animal conservation but the back of my mind always makes me think Pandas only eat one food and do really like to mate so do they really have the moxie to continue their existence
Posted by Heath on October 4,2008 | 11:31AM
Wow,Very Interesting. Its nice that people at least try to feed it. Insed of running away.
Posted by Taylor Lee. on October 4,2008 | 11:34AM
The people of Australia should contribute a certain amount even if its a penny or a dime to keep these birds alive. It's very important for the birds to have a secure place to live in.Darith-Tacoma WA
Posted by Darith Cheth on October 4,2008 | 11:34AM
So what if something was here first-Bacteria was here before you. Do you want to build a place for it too?
Posted by Rob on October 4,2008 | 11:35AM
Those small organizations trying to help the Cassowaries really do need to work on public relations. I had never even heard of these things untill reading the article, and the only reaosn I found the article was because it was in the Yahoo News banner. They need advertisements during popular TV programs, pretty posters in libraries, even just posting interesting pictures of Cassowaries on popular,(usually humorous)animal based sites would lead people to asking "What in the world is that thing?"
Posted by Helina Martinez on October 4,2008 | 11:35AM
As is the case with all widlife, the cassowaries have more to fear from us, then us from them. Protect them which principally means make sure they are left alone.
Posted by Mats Andersson on October 4,2008 | 11:36AM
Joyce, DO you not realise these birds, just like any other wild animal, is more dangerous if feed by humans. They will come to expect food, attack for food, over all be more aggressive. If the did make a "safe haven" for these birds it would be their best bet. Wild 6 ft birds with 5 inch claws (I am not scared easily.) but I'd be running far far away. The state needs to step in to get the birds out of the city and into a wild life habaitat. my 2 cents, Dan www.frightsite.com
Posted by Dan McNamara on October 4,2008 | 11:36AM
are they good to eat...they look delicious
Posted by dave on October 4,2008 | 11:37AM
what an interesting and well written story. these birds are just fascinating. thank you!
Posted by karyn pierce on October 4,2008 | 11:38AM
I agree with Ms. Nutter. (Except maybe for the part about "large groups" of birders) I was lucky enough to see a male with three chicks while on a visit to the Daintree three years ago. There are some local eco tour groups in that area that provide information on these birds and excursions into their habitat, but I have not seen any advertisements for these trips outside of Australia. Maybe this article and word-of-mouth will help.
Posted by Ann Bennett on October 4,2008 | 11:39AM
I think that the birds should be killed, since they are dangerous
Posted by Jim on October 4,2008 | 11:41AM
I have never heard of this prehistoric-looking bird before. It is amazing. I couldn't help but think of my friend who is deathly afraid of large bird. I kind of want to tell him all about the Cassowary because I am sure he does not know they exist. I think if more people knew about this extraordinary bird they would do more about it in the United States, maybe?
Posted by Corin Tinivell on October 4,2008 | 11:43AM
Thank you for bringing to light the existence of such an interesting species. I'm sure that the article will help bring aid for the bird. Hopefully the woman that is feeding them does not feed them in town, which would only drawn them closer to extinction when in harm of the city limits!
Posted by Maureen Rouch on October 4,2008 | 11:44AM
It dosn't matter. evolution states "survival of the fittest" so if it cant defend itself against predator's like humans... its bound to die! or look at it from the religious point of view, God said "eat the animals (Genesis 9:2-3)". so it really dosnt matter what you do its gona disappear, i mean dose anyone miss the Dodo?
Posted by roman on October 4,2008 | 11:47AM
people should not feed them, the animals will become dependent and weak! humans do not respect mother nature, it is our biggest flaw. these creatures are amazing, and hopefully people will realize that and rally to protect them and give them their space.
Posted by scott on October 4,2008 | 11:47AM
How sad is it that animals become endangered because of humans mixed priorities, the worst is that we cant find a happy medium. I never knew that this bird exsisted. We need to find a way to educate the children and adults on this species and others like it so that we can pull together and help save what we barely have left in this world that we know of now. Its important that someone like that lady that we read in the story who lives in those areas can get a group together to try to ask some officals of putting together a program for these animals. And educators, writers & media can help with the education of knowledge of exisitance and what these animals are up agianst. A non-profit organization where people could donate money could help go to aid the incubation just like what they did with the bald eagles to help restore some numbers of this animal. I do agree to encourage these animals to come into civilization will be the death of them and create more risk for attacks. They are an animal and it is natural to attack. If they need to provide acreage where it is designated their area than by means do it now before a farmer occupies it and eventually all land is gone. Which eventually one day may happen.
Posted by Kat on October 4,2008 | 11:47AM
I would have to agree with the previous comments. There must be a way to preserve these marvelous birds. They are not only unique and interesting creatures, but also a vital part of their ecosystem. Save the Cassowaries! :)
Posted by Teresa Koepke on October 4,2008 | 11:48AM
These birds are beautiful. Their blue is bright and beautiful. There are sanctuary's that can encourage their lives to remain protected. To eliminate an animal by not protecting it is not how one co-exists. Humans are living in their world, if one feels they are a dangerous, then YOU move!
Posted by H, on October 4,2008 | 11:49AM
They are incredible!!! So prehistoric I imagine that their temperment is what has kept them alive. I cannot believe it would even be an issue that they should be preserved...we can't just let things die because they are inconvenient to our existance.....this has been the case for too long and now our world is in a big ecological mess that we may never recover from. I pray that that the mindset of people will change and that they will start to hold the lives of all living beings as precious.
Posted by noel from california on October 4,2008 | 11:50AM
That is probably the scariest thing I have ever seen. I have a deathly fear of birds, but I'd like to do whatever I can to save this creature...how sad that they aren't getting more attention and support. Maybe I'll start a "Save the Cassowaries" club... :)
Posted by kelly on October 4,2008 | 11:52AM
the cassowary is ugly? says who? there is an inherent beauty in every single one of mother nature's creations ...
Posted by John Tidyman on October 4,2008 | 11:53AM
all we have to do is to learn how to live with all the other animals, harmoniously.
Posted by paula on October 4,2008 | 11:54AM
I THINK THE BIRD IS SCARY AND IT IS WEIRD AND HAS A STRANGE APPERANCE AND I WOUN'T WANT TO MESS AROUND WITH IT.
Posted by JAMAL on October 4,2008 | 11:56AM
Thank you for this wonderful article and the pictures; don't think I ever heard the name Cassowary----unless if it were mentioned in passing quickly on TV. It makes me sad that humans are responsible for the loss of habitat for so many species.
Posted by sonia miller on October 4,2008 | 11:59AM
These birds...liik kind of like dinosaurs. I think ots nice that some people are feding them, but I do agree that leading them into towns in dangerious for both them and the town residence. Perhaps people should start taking food into the fo