World’s deadliest chick’ hatches at Cotswolds wildlife park for first time

Deadly cassowary dubbed ‘the world’s most dangerous bird’ joins the UK’s only breeding group

A rare and potentially lethal chick, dubbed ‘the world’s most dangerous bird’, has hatched at a Cotswolds wildlife park, conservationists have announced.

The southern cassowary chick emerged from its egg at Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford, Oxfordshire, on June 25, following a 52-day incubation period.

What is a cassowary?

Cassowaries are large, flightless birds found in the tropical forests of New Guinea and Australia.

They are known for their aggressive behaviour and powerful kicks, which can inflict serious injuries or even kill.

The southern cassowary is the largest of the three cassowary species, and is native to the rainforests of eastern Australia.

Dangers of the cassowary

Cassowaries are considered to be the most dangerous birds in the world due to their aggressive nature and powerful kicks.

Their feet have three sharp claws, which they can use to slash at enemies or potential threats.

In 2019, a 75-year-old man in Florida was killed by a cassowary after he fell over and the bird attacked him.

The chick at Cotswold Wildlife Park

The chick at Cotswold Wildlife Park is the first southern cassowary to be born in the UK for over a decade.

It is part of a breeding programme to help conserve the species, which is listed as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The chick is currently being cared for by its parents, and is expected to make its public debut in the coming weeks.

Safety measures at Cotswold Wildlife Park

Cotswold Wildlife Park has a number of safety measures in place to protect visitors from cassowaries.

These include fences, signs, and staff training.

Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance from cassowaries, and not to approach them or try to feed them.