Riga Zoo Hatches Cassowary Chick – A Rare Event in Europe

Riga Zoo has welcomed a cassowary chick, one of the few offspring of this species to hatch in European zoos over the course of a year. Cassowaries are large, dinosaur-like birds native to Australia and New Guinea.

The chick currently weighs 1.6 kilograms and has developed a particular fondness for various fruits and berries, including blueberries, melons, pears, apples, nectarines, raspberries, bananas, grapes, and zucchini. It also feeds on crickets, shrimp, and occasionally mice.

For now, zoo visitors cannot view the chick. The animal is cautious and easily stressed, so it is being kept in a separate area to ensure its well-being.

Cassowaries are known for their bright coloration and hardiness, but their chicks are particularly vulnerable. Riga Zoo's breeding success represents an important contribution to the conservation of this species.