‘World’s deadliest chick’ hatches in Cotswolds bird park

The name “cassowary” is thought to originate from two Papuan words: “kasu” (meaning horned) and “wari” (meaning head). It refers to the bird’s prehistoric-looking casque, a hollow structure made of keratin on the top of their head.

Found in the tropical rainforests of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the southern cassowary’s conservation status was recently re-designated from “vulnerable” to “least concern”.

However, deforestation and increasing human activity are providing a growing threat to the birds’ long-term survival prospects.

Although flightless, like other members of the ratite family including ostriches and emus, they are powerful runners, reaching speeds of up to 31mph. Despite lacking the ability to fly, the giant birds can also jump up to 2m and have even been filmed swimming.

Over the coming weeks, it is hoped that visitors will have a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the fast-growing bird in its spacious enclosure.