From Seattletimes · · 50s
Adelaide Zoo's Cassowary Eggs Prove Breeding Success
Adelaide Zoo's cassowary birds lay fluorescent green eggs after 34 years of failed attempts.
In brief
Adelaide Zoo's cassowary birds lay fluorescent green eggs after 34 years of failed attempts. Adelaide Zoo's southern cassowary Martina laid two fluorescent green eggs, the first in 34 years, after a successful breeding attempt with partner Jeffrey. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Martina and Jeffrey
Adelaide Zoo's southern cassowary birds Martina and Jeffrey successfully bred after 34 years of failed attempts.
“It’s the first cassowary egg at the zoo in 34 years.”
Egg Production
Martina laid two fluorescent green eggs, the first at the zoo in 34 years, with a third possible by Thursday.
“Martina, 10, could lay a third egg on Thursday.”
Breeding Challenges
Southern cassowaries, the heaviest birds in Australia, are solitary and dangerous with a large claw on their toe.
“They’re solitary creatures.”
Conservation Efforts
Breeding requires a conservation plan approved by a zoo association and observing the birds' behavior.
“The birds, which are the heaviest in Australia, can be dangerous if you put yourself in their space.”
Next Steps
Jeffrey will incubate eggs for 50 days, with staff testing viability through blood samples if needed.
“Incubation time is about 50 days, the zoo said.”
The key point
Adelaide Zoo's southern cassowary Martina laid two fluorescent green eggs, the first in 34 years, after a successful breeding attempt with partner Jeffrey.
