The chick was treated for a neck injury before being reunited with its father the following day.
An abandoned and injured cassowary chick has been reunited with its father following a life-saving phone call and a rapid response from wildlife officers and the local veterinarian.
On 3 September 2024, a landowner found the abandoned ‘stripey’ with a large gash around its neck on their Bingil Bay property and called the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI).
Wildlife officer Ariella Woods quickly arrived at the property to assess the situation and found the stripey sitting listlessly under the watchful eye of the property owners.
Amid serious concerns about the chick’s neck injury, she collected and transported the animal to Tully Tropical Vets for a thorough assessment.
Despite the initial concerns and the aesthetic nature of the wound, the cassowary chick was deemed to be in good condition with a superficial injury.
Ms Woods said the chick was administered antibiotics and kept at the veterinary practice overnight for observation.
“The following morning, we received a positive report from the veterinarian who determined the chick was healthy and ready for release,” Ms Woods said.
“We were then up against the clock, and it was crucial to get the chick back to Bingil Bay as quickly as possible so it could be reunited with its father. There was a real risk that the father would reject the stripey due to the length of time they had been apart.
“Thankfully the property owners provided us with observations that the father moved through their property around the same time each day, so that gave us a chance to reunite them.”
Wildlife officer Hayley Cook said the release of the chick had to coincide with the father’s regular patterns of activity, and the chick was placed in a pet carrier near the forest edge.
“It began to call out, attracting its father and another chick, and we watched the vocalisation and behaviour confirmed he recognised the chick before opening the pet carrier,” Ms Cook said.
“The chick quickly ran to its father and sibling, and together they returned to the rainforest.
“We were absolutely thrilled by the heartwarming reunion, and this successful operation highlights the important collaboration we share with the community and the veterinary professionals.
“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service would like to thank the property owners for calling us immediately, and that phone call ensured the stripey has a second chance.
“We encourage people to report all injured, sick or orphaned cassowaries by calling 1300 130 372.”
The southern cassowary is considered endangered, and its population is limited to rainforest areas of the Wet Tropics and Cape York. Cassowary sightings can be reported to DESI by calling 1300 130 372.
Cassowaries can inflict serious injuries to people and pets by kicking out with their large, clawed feet. People are asked to at all times in the Wet Tropics.
- Never approach cassowaries.
- Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
- Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal, dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths.
- Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
- Slow down when driving in cassowary habitat.
- Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.
- Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.
