Scientific name: Casuarius casuarius
Origin: Australasia (New Guinea and Northern Australia)
Size: 1.5-1.8m
Diet: Omnivore
IUCN status: Least Concern
Threats: Hunting, deforestation, cyclones (in Australia)
Zoos I have seen them: Edinburgh Zoo, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, Natura Artis Magistra
Interesting fact: The three species of cassowary are the only ratites (the group of flightless birds which includes the ostrich) that have bony head crests, or casques. They are the closest relatives of the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae).
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