Dangerous Cassowary Bird at Jurong Bird Park, Singapore
Imagine yourself face to face with a strange unique dangerous bird like this, a Cassowary, as you are taking your nature walk in a jungle, what would you do? I dread such a happening.
Dangerous Cassowary Bird at Jurong
My palpitations increased as I saw a Cassowary at Jurong Bird Park in Singapore even though it was at safe distance, within a strong enclosure. The bird has a prehistoric look, very scary. The sharp curious look it had for me is clearly etched in mind.
It looked at me this way, then that way. I could sense a feeling of inquisitiveness it had for my long black nose, my zoom lens. At one point of time, it turned away its face from me. Check out the contrast with Blue Crowned Pigeon.
If provoked unnecessarily they can attack!
Cassowary has a horny helmet, called a casque, on its head was most fascinating. It’s an odd structure, neither horn nor bone; it has a hard covering but is spongy inside and somewhat flexible overall, I read.
Dangerous Cassowary Bird at Jurong Bird Park in Singapore
I wanted to capture its form and shape. Stalking it was impossible and all I could do then was wait patiently to get that in frame. This helmet helps the cassowary crash its way through the thick growths of the jungle and get away from its enemies. Its two long red wattles hanging down from its neck looked interesting and made it look attractive.
Cassowary with red wattles on its neck
Cassowary – World’s most dangerous bird
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the Cassowaries are the world’s most dangerous birds, capable of dealing fatal blows. They can grow to over six and a half feet tall. An adult will weigh over 100pounds. They can run at speeds of over thirty miles per hour!
They have sharp claws – 3 of them – in each foot. The dagger-like claw grows up to five-inches long. I am sure the bird keepers of Jurong Bird Park must be having tough time looking after these birds.
The last person known to have been killed by a cassowary was 16-year-old Phillip McLean, whose throat was punctured on his Queensland ranch in 1926. There have been plenty of close calls since: people have had ribs broken, legs cracked and flesh gashed.
If you happen to meet a Cassowary in the wild and he/she happens to take a dislike towards you, then be sure to flee well in time and save your life or get injured seriously. They are not easy to tame.
Cassowary with its horny helmet
How to Defend Oneself from Cassowary Bird?
Here are 3 Best defense against an angry and dangerous Cassowarybird:
- Keep something in front of you
- Go behind a tree
- Raise your arms to look taller
So? Which is your best self defense? Have you seen a cassowary bird in real?
Update
This post was first written on June 26 2010. Here is one update – Latest victim of cassowary attack: Florida man killed by his pet Cassowary bird.
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Not been to Jurong Bird Park but would definitely love to see a Cassowary!
OMG! The bird looks beautiful as well as scary. I have never heard of this bird and the interesting facts you shared about this bird has already blown away my mind. Raising hands will be my defense mechanism but I am wondering how will it scare him.
Awesome! Would like to see this in person, I don’t think that have that where I live. Hehe
I have been in SG several times but havent been to the bird park but I heard it is amazing!
Such an interesting creature. With that morose look and equipped with sharp claws, I would rather stay away from it and protect myself from any harm. This post is truly informative and creative on how you describe this unique bird.
Yet another interesting read on your site. I had never heard about Cassowary…that being such a dangerous bird, your information is really going to be handy when I come across it ever.
Wow, this is truly interesting. I’m also a huge fan of birds and seeing this unique bird and I have just heard about it as well makes me really happy. It looks so cute and adorable. I like how shiny the hair and the color as well. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
What a beautiful bird! And you are right it is somewhat scary and very fierce looking, but I love it, it’s lovely! Like if I were a bird, I’d probably be this hahaha… So this is the most dangerous bird? All this time I thought it’s eagle or maybe a vulture. I wonder what raising your hand or looking taller would defend you from the bird though. Can you elaborate on that?
What a beautiful bird! And you are right it is somewhat scary and very fierce looking, but I love it, it’s lovely! Like if I were a bird, I’d probably be this hahaha… So this is the most dangerous bird? All this time I thought it’s eagle or maybe a vulture. I wonder what raising your hand or looking taller would defend you from the bird though. Can you elaborate on that?
wow – being Australian I had never heard of this bird, but I recall seeing pictures but never knew how dangerous they were. I image seeing him in the enclosure would have been a remarkable experience.
I visited Jurong Bird Park last year. It was really a worthwhile experience to have a close up encounter with the colorful birds. On the other hand, I just like admiring them but not really touching them. I have been always afraid of their beaks. I was even scared to the lories even they are small. What more of a cassowary. Haha! I think no one can be attacked by a Cassowary in Jurong Bird Park. The birds there seems to be harmless. 🙂
The bird does look menacing and eerie. Would definitely not want to encounter one in the open.
Wow. That’s unique.
OMG … I have never seen a bird like this ..Interesting info ..
Wow, it has such intense eyes!! Missed out Jurong bird park during our visit to Singapore due to time constraint. The park will definitely top our list if we are planning a trip next.
A strong-head bird?! Enjoyed knowing a few facts about cassowary and I think it is a beautiful bird 🙂
what a bird, amazing
Interesting information, Indrani.. Beautiful Clicks of the bird!
Thanks for letting me know about cassowary with such beautiful pics. 🙂
What a beautiful colorful bird…never would have thought it would be so dangerous for I had seen one in Delhi zoo …it looked so tamed in captivity. Perhaps, when angry it would overpower any human by its sheer size only …quite a huge one 🙂 😀
A very interesting bird. Thanks for this informative post and great captures 🙂
reminded me of my encounter at Jurong Bird Park…I must appreciate a very beautiful park…
Now that’s a good looking bird!
Not sure if i spotted this during my 2016 visit
I missed it in my trip to Singapore. Beautiful post!
This is so informative Indrani; I was not aware of this bird nor the fact that they could be so dangerous. Thanks for sharing.
I so loved to know about and see the the bird Cassowary Buddy, loved the post 🙂
Wow!! An amazing bird!
Amazing looking bird – never heard of it before! It sounds quite scary…
The bird is damn beautiful 🙂 Lovely post!
That’s a beautiful bird
What a gorgeous bird !
Believe it or not! I'm seeing this kind of a bird for the first time!! Amazing colors…
Pixellicious Photos
Very impressive bird!
That's such an interesting bird.
Never heard of this. good shots
Beautiful Bird
Danger in beauty? Handsome looking cassowary. Thanks for the lovely pics.
Gorgeous bird– I'd never seen anything about these before. Thanks for sharing!
nice
An interesting creature, to say the least! These are neat shots.
Very informative. Pictures are great.
Its just too beautiful!!!
It looks too gorgeous to be lethal! What an unusually lovely bird. Great shots.
Thanks for sharing this most unusual bird. I don't think I had ever heard of it before. Your pictures are both beautiful and fabulous.
What a fascinating bird, I've never seen one like it and I never knew a bird could be so dangerous!
he's gorgeous!
Such a handsome bird. And to think they are dangerous!
You have caught this extraordinary bird well Indrani. Wonderful shots of a very interesting Cassowary and thank you for the information. I don't think I would like to meet one face to face in the jungle 🙂
An English Girl Rambles
Beautiful Photo's Indra and interesting information about the bird. Love the first shot 🙂
When we were in Australia we saw a Cassowary crossing the road. Fortunately we were safe in the car. This is indeed a dangerous bird. It can tear your body open with its claws. You have taken some very great photos to allow us to have a good look at the helm. Thank you!
Casque – that's a new vocab I learned today, and some fact about Cassowary. I just met the world's most dangerous bird? Thanks for the info. It's a beautiful creature.
I wish I had been to this bird park the two times I was in Singapore…don't think that I'll ever get back, now that I'm retired and living on a fixed income. I'm so glad I got to see this through your eyes and wonderful photos!!
What an awesome bird!! And the colors!! That helmet is most fascinating. Wow! Makes me wonder how big this bird is? I have never seen one before!
Hugs
SueAnn
Cool looking bird and great info. Thanks for sharing yoru critter!
Jurong bird Park is a wonderland !
Mysore Zoo has always had a pair of Cassowaries , kept in open enclosure along with Emus. Once, I overheard a person "educating" his kid that the dull coloured Emu was the female and the colourful Cassowary , the Male ! Obviously, he thought they were the same species !
What a shame humans can't parade around with such delightful markings!
Oh my…what an amazing bird! I might keep my distance to appreciate this guy's beauty! Wonderful captures!
you world traveler!!! When were you in Singapore. I once joined the Jurong bird park for one year and took the kids every sat.