Chick of ‘world’s most dangerous bird’ born at UK zoo — the first in 21 years
A rare cassowary chick has been born in the United Kingdom.
It the first to be born at the Paignton Zoo in 21 years, according to an Aug. 29 Facebook post.
“This is the only cassowary chick born in any European zoo this year, making it a truly special moment,” the zoo said.
At 6 feet tall and weighing up to 160 pounds, cassowaries are among the largest birds on earth — and considered to be the “world’s most dangerous,” according to the Library of Congress.
They have immensely strong legs tipped with “dagger-like claws” that can propel them 7 feet into the air and allow them to run as fast as 31 miles per hour.
While these flightless birds are typically shy and won’t go out of their way to be aggressive, attacks can be deadly, according to experts.
Aside from their “striking”and “powerful” build, experts said they are “also surprisingly devoted parents,” with fathers taking on all the parenting, experts said.
Madrid, the chick’s father, has been observed fiercely protecting his chick, keeping it close and guiding it to food, according to the zoo.
Experts said Madrid “is doing an amazing job.”
The species is native to Australia and New Guinea.
This story was originally published September 12, 2025 at 10:44 AM.
