Chick of the “world’s most dangerous bird” hatches in the Cotswolds

A bird park in the Cotswolds has succeeded for the first time in hatching one of the most dangerous birds in the world.

The chick of a cassowary, a relative of the emu, is considered deadly because of its powerful legs and claws – and behaves aggressively when it feels threatened.

Keepers at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, have been trying to breed the giant bird for over 25 years, although breeding this species in captivity is particularly difficult.

The coswain chick is the first to be born in the UK since 2021.

The bird is native to the tropical forests of northern Australia and New Guinea.

“When we first saw the little chick it was a really special moment,” keeper Alistair Keen told the BBC.

“Cassowaries are considered one of the most dangerous birds in the world. Because of their size, speed and strength, as well as their dagger-like, ten-centimeter-long claws, we must take their protection extremely seriously.”

In 2019, 75-year-old Marvin Hajos died when he was attacked by one of his pet cassowaries in his Florida home.

They are among the largest and heaviest bird species in the world and can weigh over 45 kg and reach speeds of up to 48 km/h.

The U.S. Library of Congress website states: “The cassowary is generally considered the most dangerous bird in the world, at least as far as humans are concerned, although ostriches and emus can also be dangerous.”

Cross monitor lizards have been present at Birdland since 2012 and are part of the European Endangered Species Programme, but breeding them is challenging due to their environmental requirements.