Young cassowary back in the wild after backyard visit

A young cassowary has been returned to the wild after it entered an East Innisfail backyard last week.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch thanked a thoughtful local resident for calling wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science after finding the sub-adult cassowary pacing up and down inside his boundary fence. 

“When wildlife officers arrived, they found a healthy one-year old bird still inside the yard, and about 800 metres from the nearest bushland,” Ms Enoch said.

“Given the high likelihood of a dog attack or car strike if the cassowary had been allowed to leave the yard and wander the streets, wildlife officers decided to capture the bird so it could be relocated to suitable bushland.”

Ms Enoch said due to localised flooding, staff could not release the bird into nearby bushland, and wildlife officers decided it was best to release the bird into Wooroonooran National Park.

“The officers safely released the young cassowary in the rainforest,” Ms Enoch said.

“This is a great result – thanks to a swift phone call from the local resident, and the collaborative work between the Department of Environment, the local community and vet, we’ve returned one of these endangered birds to the wild.

“It’s not known why the bird came into suburbia, but cassowaries are known to move around due to competition between individual birds, and to move up to higher ground during very wet weather.”

Ms Enoch reminded people in Far North Queensland to be 'Cass-o-wary' during wet weather and flooding.

Drivers are warned to slow down in cassowary habitat and observe “recent cassowary warning” signs, as cassowary behaviour is unpredictable. Mature birds can also be dangerous if they decide to lash out at people and pets.

Everyone can help to protect Queensland’s endangered cassowaries. If you live in or visit cassowary territory, remember to:

• Not feed the cassowaries, especially on the side of the road where they might be hit by passing cars
• Observe recent cassowary sighting signs while driving, and slow down and avoid any cassowaries that come into view
• Restrain domestic dogs
• Place food scraps in enclosed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids
• Leave cassowaries to find their own food

Sick, injured and orphaned cassowaries should be reported to the Department of Environment and Science on 1300 130 372.

A video of the cassowary being released is available HERE.

Media contact: 0437 859 987