Cassowary that killed its owner now available for adoption
A dangerous bird that made headlines for killing its owner will be available for auction Saturday in Madison, Florida.
The cassowary will be put on the block alongside dozens of other endangered animals recovered from the home of now-deceased Marvin Hajos.
The dangerous animals are being made available in honour of Hajos' last wishes, authorities said.
OWNER KILLED EARLIER THIS MONTH
A cassowary -- an emu-like giant bird with sharp claws -- killed Hajos in the backyard of his home in Gainesville, Florida on April 12.
Officials told CNN that Hajos, 75, called emergency officials after the attack.
He later died in the hospital according to Lt. Joshua Crews of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.
Officials have deemed the death “an accident."
According to reports, the man fell, and the cassowary "attacked him."
Hajos was a breeder of the rare bird, which is native to Australia and New Guinea.
The bird remains on Hajos' property as authorities look into the attack, reports from CNN stated.
Credit: Charlie Marshall/Flickr
The cassowary is a "large, flightless bird most closely related to the emu," according to the San Diego Zoo.
Cassowaries can grow more than 1.5 meters tall and jump up to 2 meters high.
The San Diego Zoo says the animal is a skilled swimmer, which helps it fend off threats.
Females are known to weigh more than 160 pounds.
The cassowary, which is native to Australia and New Guinea, is often called the “world’s most dangerous bird,” due to its powerful legs and sharp claws.
According to the San Diego Zoo, “the cassowary can slice open any predator or potential threat with a single swift kick.”
With files from Cheryl Santa Maria.
