“Hercules” the cassowary shows his strength

After being struck by a vehicle travelling along the Kuranda range, “Hercules” the cassowary has recovered from his injuries and is now back in the wild.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said Hercules was transported by Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers to the Garners Beach Rehabilitation Facility on 26 July, after he had suffered significant injuries.

“He was facing a rough road to recovery, but during a period of about three weeks, he received the best possible care and treatment,” Ms Enoch said.

“After recovering and receiving a health clearance by Tully Vets, Hercules was released back into a remote section of rainforest near Kuranda last week.

“It was wonderful that he made a quick recovery in a short space of time, and it is all thanks to the joint efforts of Kuranda Conservation, Tully Vets, Rainforest Reserves Australia, which operates the Garners Beach Cassowary Recovery Centre, and the Department.

“Hercules’ recovery effort is the stuff of legends.”

Ms Enoch said said Hercules’ story was a timely reminder for all motorists travelling through cassowary habitat to slow down and to be cass-o-wary.

“Hercules pulled through and is now back in the wild where he belongs, but other cassowaries that have been hit by vehicles were not been so lucky,” Ms Enoch said.

“Cassowaries move through the rainforest in search of food and are vulnerable to vehicle strike when roads intersect their habitat.

“The best way drivers can help reduce the threat of vehicle strike is to slow down, particularly where vegetation is growing close to the roadside and driver visibility is limited.”

People living in or visiting cassowary territory can help protect these beautiful birds by:

• Being careful when driving, slowing down and avoiding the animals
• Restraining domestic dogs
• Never feeding the cassowaries, especially on the side of the road where they might be hit by passing cars, and
• Letting cassowaries find their own food.

Sick, injured and orphaned cassowaries should be reported to DES on 1300 130 372.

More information on cassowaries is available here.

Media contact: 0437 859 987

Note for media: Photo and video are available here.