The endangered Southern Cassowary is one of the most recognisable icons of the Wet Tropics region and is considered a ‘keystone’ species for their role in dispersing rainforest seeds and maintaining biodiversity.

It is no surprise that local Daintree resident Amy Bell from Cow Bay was horrified when a vehicle hit a female Cassowary on Cape Tribulation Road, near the turn off to the Discovery Centre yesterday and drove off.  Amy has since been advised witnesses driving in the opposite direction, a female passenger and her son a learner driver, witnessed a sedan hit the beautiful bird and drive away.  The learner driver immediately reported the incident to the Daintree Discovery Centre.

Unfortunately for the Cassowary, due to extensive injuries, she was shot by police yesterday afternoon, advised Amy.  

“We heard the “thud” and by the time my husband got there the car was gone and the poor bird was on the road unable to walk. This section of the road, approximately 100 metres north of the turn off to the Discovery Centre, is where drivers are speeding” Amy says.

It took up to two hours before Amy and her Husband were able to get assistance for the Cassowary.  “The on call vet service was no help.  They said to call National Parks who in turn said to call the local vet.  My husband tried the Rangers Station who said that it was out of their jurisdiction and gave him the number for the Wildlife Carers in Cairns” she said.

“Tony the wildlife carer, my husband, Gollie who is involved in the Cassowary Mission Beach Rehabilitation project and the backpackers from Chile were there to offer a caring hand and I was very thankful,” says Amy. 

When Police arrived it was decided amongst those caring for the Cassowary, to put her out of her misery.  She leaves behind her mate, an adult son who was also hit by a car 12 months ago but fortunately survived and her male chick.

The Rainforest Rescue’s “Save the Cassowary Campaign” estimates fewer than 1000 birds are left in the Australian Wild. 

“Save the Cassowary Campaign is a unique partnership between Rainforest Rescue, government organisations, business partners, Aboriginal Corporations, universities and 20 plus 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.”

For more information visit:

savethecassowary.org.au