Inside Nature's Giants: Dinosaur Bird
The Cassowary is a gigantic bird with a fearsome reputation. It can be taller and heavier than a full-grown man and is armed with 5-inch talons that have actually killed humans. It has earned the dubious reputation of being the most dangerous bird in the world, yet unless the Cassowary feels threatened it struts quietly around the jungle and occasionally the coastline.
Mark Evans and Joy Reidenberg carry out a dissection on a Cassowary that was hit by a car. Unfortunately, such accidents are quite common on roads that cut through their territory. The team investigates the mystery of how it produces its deep resonant mating call, how it evolved to have such stunted wings and such sharp talons; and the extraordinary breathing apparatus of this giant bird.
Meanwhile Simon Watt learns how to break in and ride a wild camel from champion camel-jockey Glenda Sutton. He discovers that although this animal does spit and kick – there’s much more to marvel at than its cantankerous reputation.