In a heartwarming and rare moment of wildlife rescue, an injured cassowary chick, affectionately nicknamed ‘Scar’, was successfully reunited with its father at Bingil Bay, located in Far North Queensland. Wildlife officers who orchestrated this beautiful reunion described it as a rare occurrence, highlighting the delicate and critical efforts to ensure the survival of these endangered birds.
Cassowaries are unique to the region, and witnessing such a reunion not only brings hope but also sheds light on the challenges these magnificent creatures face in the wild. Let’s explore how this touching event unfolded and what it means for cassowary conservation.
The Discovery of the Injured Cassowary Chick
On September 3, residents of Bingil Bay, roughly 130 kilometers south of Cairns, stumbled upon a tiny cassowary chick hiding in the bushes on their property. At just two to three weeks old, the chick was in a vulnerable state and had a significant gash on its neck, leaving it weak and listless.
Wildlife Officer Ariella Woods, from Queensland’s Department of Environment, was quick to respond after receiving the call from the concerned property owners. Upon arrival, she noted the severity of the Cassowary Chick’s condition. Despite its injury, the prompt action by the homeowners allowed the wildlife team to step in just in time.
“We’re grateful for the swift call from the property owners, which gave us the chance to act immediately,” said Woods.
Scar’s Road to Recovery
The little cassowary chick, soon to be named ‘Scar’ due to its visible wound, was immediately taken to a local veterinarian for assessment. Thankfully, the vet discovered that while the injury appeared severe, it wasn’t as deep as initially feared. Scar was treated with antibiotics and given nourishment, and by the next day, he was looking much brighter and more active.
“The transformation was remarkable,” Woods recalled. “He went from being lethargic and unresponsive to lively and alert after just one night of care.”
With Scar’s recovery underway, the wildlife officers became determined to reunite him with his family—a goal that would be both challenging and time-sensitive.
Cassowary Parenting: A Unique Dynamic
Unlike most bird species, cassowary parenting responsibilities fall almost entirely on the male. After the female lays her eggs, she leaves the scene, and it’s the male who takes on the duties of incubating the eggs and raising the chicks. This extraordinary dynamic makes the father figure vital to a chick’s survival.
In Scar’s case, wildlife officers knew there was a narrow window in which a reunion with his father could be successful. Male cassowaries are known to become unresponsive to a cassowary chick’s calls if too much time has passed since they were separated.
A Beautiful and Rare Reunion
With Scar back on his feet, the team transported him to the property where he was found, hoping to reconnect him with his father and sibling, who were known to forage in the area. The plan was carefully executed: the team placed Scar, still inside a pet carrier, near the edge of the rainforest, and waited for the father cassowary to make his appearance.
After some time, the father and the sibling emerged in the distance. As soon as Scar spotted his family, he let out loud vocalizations, calling out to them. The response was immediate—the father cassowary began to vocalize loudly, clearly recognizing his lost chick.
Wildlife Officer Woods described the scene as unforgettable: “It was clear the father knew this chick was his. His vocalizations grew louder and more excited as he approached. Once we were confident he had fully recognized Scar, we opened the carrier and allowed the chick to rejoin its family.”
The reunion was a success. The father, Scar, and his sibling headed back into the rainforest, reuniting as a family. Woods referred to the moment as one of the most touching experiences of her career. “Seeing them disappear into the forest together was an incredible sight. It’s a very rare thing to witness, and we’re overjoyed it ended this way.”
Why Reuniting Chicks is a Race Against Time
The reunion of Scar and his family was nothing short of a miracle. According to Woods, wildlife officers generally have a limited window of 24 to 72 hours to successfully reunite a lost cassowary chick with its father. After this critical period, it becomes less likely that the father will respond to the cassowary chick’s calls.
“If we don’t act quickly enough, the father may stop recognizing the chick, and unfortunately, that bond can be lost forever,” Woods explained. The urgency and precision of the team’s efforts were crucial to Scar’s survival.
What Caused Scar’s Injury?
While it remains unclear what led to the injury that left Scar abandoned and injured, there are many potential threats to cassowary chicks in the wild. Cassowaries face numerous dangers, including attacks from other cassowaries, wild dogs, and even cars. In Far North Queensland, cassowaries often face threats from fast-moving vehicles and predators, as well as environmental hazards like the sharp lawyer vine, also known as the “wait-a-while.”
“It’s possible the father abandoned Scar simply because he couldn’t keep up due to his injury,” said Woods. Once Scar regained his strength, however, he was able to rejoin his family and keep pace.
Protecting Cassowaries: What You Can Do
The southern cassowary is native to Far North Queensland and Papua New Guinea, with fewer than 5,000 individuals remaining in Australia. As a critically endangered species, every cassowary chick saved and reunited with its family makes a significant difference.
If you ever encounter an injured or orphaned cassowary chick, it’s important not to approach or attempt to handle the bird. Instead, contact the local Wildlife Hotline at 1300 130 372 for assistance. Quick action can lead to successful outcomes like Scar’s, but handling these birds without proper care can cause further harm.
“We urge the public to call the hotline as soon as possible if they see a cassowary in distress,” emphasized Woods. “The sooner we respond, the better the chances for a positive outcome.”
Conclusion: A Victory for Conservation
Cassowary chick Scar’s reunion with his father is a reminder of the delicate balance needed to protect endangered species like the southern cassowary. Thanks to the swift action of local residents and dedicated wildlife officers, this remarkable event unfolded, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in preserving these iconic birds.
As cassowary populations continue to face threats in the wild, every rescue and reunion contributes to their survival. Scar’s story is a testament to the power of human intervention in ensuring that future generations can witness the beauty of these rare creatures in the wild.
