Dudley Zoo welcomes world's most dangerous bird for first time in 14 years
One of the world's most dangerous bird species has returned to Dudley Zoo and Castle – after a 14 year absence.
A 10-year-old male Southern Cassowary has arrived from Paignton Zoo and has moved into a newly-designed exhibit at the Castle Hill attraction.
The Australian native flightless bird is considered as one of the closest living relatives to dinosaurs – but keepers say its long talons, a helmeted head plate and powerful legs make it a force to be reckoned with.
Section leader Nicola Wright said: “The bird department are delighted to welcome back this species after more than a decade.
“He is a stunning individual and is settling in well.
"Now it’s just a case of getting to know his personality and watching him settle into his new habitat.
“We can’t wait for our visitors to come and see our very own dinosaur.”
Other recent new arrivals at the zoo include a female giant anteater and lots of spring babies including a camel, ring-tailed lemur, spider monkey, gelada and barbary sheep.
Dudley Zoo and Castle will reopen to visitors on Monday after lockdown. Pre-book tickets are now available by visiting the zoo's website.
