Save the Cassowary

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Cassowary sunset

Save the Cassowary is a unique partnership between Rainforest Rescue, government organisations, business partners, Aboriginal Corporations, universities and 20+ zoos and other non-government organisations, to raise awareness of the plight of the Endangered Southern Cassowary.

Already on the endangered list, there are feared to be less than 1,000 of this living dinosaur – which plays a vital role in rainforest regeneration – left in the wild.

Why do we need Save the Cassowary?

  1. The Southern Cassowary is Endangered, there are believed to be fewer than 1,000 left in the wild. It is now under increased threat from loss of habitat due to development, cars, dog attacks and natural disasters.
  2. The Southern Cassowary is a direct descendent of the dinosaurs, it’s awesome and we’re lucky to have it here in Australia!
  3. The Southern Cassowary is a ‘keystone’ species. Through eating the fruit and pooing out the seeds of rainforest plants, it plays a vital role as the ‘rainforest gardener’. Many plants depend on the Cassowary for survival. Without them, the future of the rainforest is in peril.
  4. Southern Cassowaries are shy by nature and only pose a threat to humans and domestic animals when defending their nests or chicks, if they have become accustomed to hand feeding, or when threatened.

We invite you to join us to save this magnificent and little understood Australian by getting to know the Cassowary, understanding its vital importance in nature and supporting the projects that protect and ensure its future.

Download the campaign leaflet here

Campaign activities

Participating zoos are displaying Save the Cassowary signs at their Cassowary enclosures to promote the campaign. Some zoos are running special events to help raise much needed funds, watch our events page for details.

Rainforest Rescue’s business partner BioPak has produced a special ‘art cup’ which is available Australia-wide from cafes and coffee outlets. 20% of the profits are donated to the campaign.

The main aim of the campaign is to raise funds to support our Cassowary conservation programs in Far North Queensland: