A juvenile cassowary surprised beachgoers at a campground in Australia when it emerged from the water, according to wildlife officials and a video recording. The incident took place on October 31 at Bingil Bay Campground, as onlookers initially mistook the bird for a turtle or a shark. The Queensland Department of Environment and Science confirmed that it was indeed a cassowary, which is a large flightless bird found in the rainforests of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Cassowaries can grow up to 6.5 feet tall and weigh approximately 167 pounds. They have distinct features such as a colorful neck, a helmet-like structure on their heads, and a dagger-shaped claw on their toes.
Due to their size, strength, and sharp claws, cassowaries are considered the most dangerous bird in the world. They also exhibit unpredictable behavior. Wildlife officer Stephen Clough explained that cassowaries can swim and resort to water crossings or retreat to the water when they feel threatened by domestic dogs or other cassowaries during territorial disputes. The Queensland Department of Environment and Science released a statement acknowledging the astonishing footage captured by Nikita McDowell, the campground’s host. The video, shared on Facebook by 9 News, shows the cassowary floating in the waves, with only its head and neck visible from a distance. As it reaches the shore, the rest of its body becomes visible.
McDowell described how the cassowary gradually floated to shore until it could stand on solid ground. Afterward, it sought shade beneath a tree and appeared exhausted, with its legs trembling for around thirty minutes. McDowell left briefly to make coffee and returned to find the bird gone. She expressed relief that the cassowary had moved on safely. Clough emphasized the significance of this rare sighting and the need to protect and conserve the species. With an estimated 4,000 cassowaries remaining in Queensland, they face various threats, including habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and attacks by domestic dogs.
Bingil Bay, where the incident occurred, is located in Queensland, about 1,400 miles northwest of Sydney. This unusual encounter serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding and preserving these unique creatures.
