It’s been a big week for cassowaries in the media, with international headlines and lively local debates putting our cassowaries back in the spotlight!
It all started when CNN ran an article declaring the Southern Cassowary the “world’s most dangerous bird” and suggesting it’s the only animal Australians are truly afraid of. The article paints a dramatic picture of these incredible rainforest dwellers, leaning into their formidable reputation.
Read the CNN article here: World’s Scariest Bird?
The story quickly caught the attention of Australian media, and not everyone was convinced. Over on 6PR Radio, Millsy and Karl called B.S. on the idea that Aussies fear cassowaries more than sharks, crocs, spiders, and snakes. They invited Peter Rowles onto the show to set the record straight.
Listen to the interview here: Millsy & Karl Take on CNN’s Cassowary Claim
Meanwhile, the conversation spread to NDTV, which also highlighted the cassowary’s unique traits, reinforcing its title as “the world’s most dangerous bird”.
Read the NDTV article: Meet the Cassowary
So, what’s the truth?
At C4, we know cassowaries aren’t the terrifying creatures they’re sometimes made out to be. Yes, they are powerful and deserve respect, but they are not aggressive by nature—they are shy, elusive, and critically important to our rainforest ecosystems.
This sudden media attention is a great opportunity to educate the public about the real cassowary: a vital rainforest gardener, an ancient species, and a symbol of Far North Queensland’s unique biodiversity.
If you’re lucky enough to encounter a cassowary in the wild, remember:
✔️ Keep your distance – admire from afar.
✔️ Never feed cassowaries – it leads to dangerous human interaction.
✔️ Drive carefully – road strikes remain one of the biggest threats to their survival.
Have you seen a cassowary in the Mission Beach area? Report sightings here