A zookeeper sharing their experiences on the social media platform Reddit has revealed that ostriches and cassowaries are the most difficult and angry animals to manage.
The worker, who posts under the username Foreverli97, explained that while they have a deep affection for almost all the wildlife in their care, the two large flightless bird species are the clear exceptions. The user described cassowaries as incredibly angry creatures, adding that ostriches appear determined to destroy everything they encounter.
Both ostriches and cassowaries belong to a group of large, flightless birds known as ratites. Ostriches are native to the African savanna and are the largest and heaviest living birds on the planet. Cassowaries are found primarily in the tropical forests of Australia and New Guinea. They are widely considered the most dangerous birds in the world due to their aggressive territorial behaviour, their powerful legs, and their large, sharp claws. Zoos around the world house these species to support conservation efforts and educate the public about global biodiversity. Reddit is a popular online forum where individuals from various professions frequently share anonymous insights into their daily work and answer questions from the public.
Aggressive birds and an angry ostrich
The zookeeper recalled a specific older ostrich named Oli who harboured a strong dislike for any noise. Whenever the staff made a sound, Oli would respond by mimicking the loud, booming noise before sitting down and staring intently at the zoo workers.
The user added that while these bird species are interesting and deserve conservation protection, working with them is a significant challenge.
Silent giraffe birth experience
In contrast to the aggressive birds, the zookeeper identified giraffes as the most amazing animals at the facility. Giraffes are the tallest living terrestrial animals, native to Africa, and their distinctive long necks and legs present unique challenges during a delivery. A female giraffe gives birth standing up, meaning the newborn calf drops a significant distance to the ground.
The worker recounted witnessing a giraffe giving birth, describing the event as an incredible experience. The user admitted to crying more than a little during the delivery. The worker noted that giraffes remain completely silent while giving birth, which added to the beauty of the moment.
The discussion about zoo animals follows a recent incident where a mother took unusual steps to discipline her son for making a rude comment to a wildlife park worker. The woman punished her child by signing him up for a week of volunteer work at a zoo so he could understand the demands of the position.
