Cassowaries are large, flightless birds with powerful kicks and dagger-like claws that present significant safety and welfare challenges in zoo settings.
Cassowary welfare requires enclosures that accommodate their large size, solitary nature and need for visual concealment. Being flightless forest birds, they require dense vegetation and varied terrain. Keeper safety through protected contact is essential, but this should be achieved without compromising animal welfare through inadequate space or inappropriate social arrangements. Breeding pairs must be monitored closely as males can be aggressive toward females.