Incredible first as rare birds released into Australian jungle
The cassowaries, named Arthur and Matha, had been at a rehabilitation centre for 10 months, following a vehicle strike, 25km north in the coastal town of Innisfail. The 2024 incident left the father bird and one of the youngsters injured, and so a decision was made by authorities to capture and take them into care.
It's the first time Queensland's environment department (DETSI) has released a pair together, and it's hoped they will eventually venture out into the park and conquer their own territory.
Australia incredibly lucky to still have cassowaries
Australia is lucky to still have large flightless birds like the cassowary, which can grow to 1.8 metres. When you see the birds in person it's a clear reminder that birds evolved from dinosaurs. Across the ditch in New Zealand, all nine species of moa were wiped out after the arrival of humans in the 1400s. These birds grew up to an incredible 3.6 metres.
Southern cassowary numbers have plummeted since European settlement, and vehicle strikes and habitat destruction remain key threats to their survival. People feeding them, or leaving rubbish within reach are also major problems, as cassowaries entering human settlements often do so by crossing dangerous roads, and entering backyards makes them prone to attacks from pets.
With the species listed as vulnerable to extinction, multiple organisations worked together to help the father cassowary and his offspring, including Garners Beach Cassowary Rehabilitation Centre, Community for Cassowary and Coastal Conservation, and Tropical Vets.
What are the tallest birds alive today?
Growing up to 2.8 metres, the tallest birds alive are the common ostrich and Somali ostrich.
The emu is generally considered to be the second-tallest bird, as it can grow to 1.9 metres.
Australia's southern cassowaries and Papua New Guinea's northern cassowaries can grow to 1.8 metres.
Wildlife ranger Jeffrey Lewis said the father cassowary was freed earlier this year, but because of his prolonged separation from the chicks they couldn't be reunited.
'On July 31 2025, the juvenile cassowaries had reached an age where they would naturally separate from their father in the wild,' he said. 'After receiving the all-clear from a veterinarian they were taken to Japoon National Park and released back into the wild.
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Anyone who sees a cassowary in the wild is incredibly lucky. If that bird is sick, injured or orphaned you can call this number for help: 1300 130 372.
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