One of the world's deadliest chicks has hatched at Birdland in the Cotswolds, marking a significant milestone for the wildlife park. This chick is the first southern cassowary, one of the largest and most formidable flightless birds, to hatch at Birdland. Renowned for their claws, strong legs, and aggressive behavior, southern cassowaries are considered dangerous and have been involved in fatal attacks, including an incident in Florida five years ago. The successful hatching is a landmark achievement for Birdland, which has been attempting to breed these giant birds for over 25 years.

Part of the Eaza Ex-situ Programme, the chick is only the fourth to hatch in Europe this year and the first in the UK since 2021. Its parents, a male from Avifauna in the Netherlands and a female from Frankfurt, Germany, have been at Birdland since 2012. Headkeeper Alistair Keen expressed pride in the team's efforts, highlighting the joy and excitement of seeing the chick thrive under the protective care of its father. Cassowaries have a fearsome reputation due to their size, speed, power, and dagger-like 10cm claws, necessitating stringent safety measures for their care.

Birdland employs video cameras to monitor the nest during incubation to avoid disturbing these potentially hazardous birds. The male southern cassowary incubates the eggs and looks after hatchlings, sitting on the nest for up to two months. After the chicks hatch, the father leads them to feeding grounds, protects them, and teaches them survival skills, with the youngsters staying with their father for up to 16 months. The name 'cassowary' derives from two Papuan words: 'kasu' meaning horned, and 'wari' meaning head, referencing the bird's distinctive helmet-like casque.

Native to the tropical rainforests of Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, southern cassowaries have recently been reclassified from 'vulnerable' to 'least concern.' However, their survival is threatened by deforestation and human activity. Despite being flightless, cassowaries are powerful runners, capable of speeds up to 31mph, jumping up to 2 meters, and even swimming. In the coming weeks, Birdland visitors may have a rare opportunity to observe the fast-growing chick in its spacious enclosure, offering a unique glimpse into the life of one of the world's most extraordinary and dangerous birds.