Kay Cassowary

This soft, child-friendly cassowary resource is a durable and engaging addition to early childhood centres. Designed to represent the real-life Southern Cassowary native to Australia and New Guinea, the toy features distinctive characteristics such as a tall casque, vibrant blue and red neck, and black feather-like fur. It supports imaginative play and can be used as an educational tool to introduce children to native Australian wildlife, biodiversity, and environmental awareness. The resource encourages language development, storytelling, and social interaction through shared play.

The Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) holds significant cultural importance for various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. It is known by many names, such as:

• Kurranji: Used by the Kuku Yalanji people of the Mossman, Daintree, Cooktown, Palmer River, and Bloomfield regions.​
• Gunduy: Employed by the Djiru people in the Mission Beach area.​
• Gumbulgan: Recognized by the Jirrbal and Ma:Mu peoples of the Wet Tropics.​
• Kutani: The term used by the Kaanju Pama people of Cape York.​
• Boondarra: Identified by the Djabugai and Tjapukai peoples in the Cairns, Port Douglas, Kuranda, and Mareeba areas.​
• Wadthuuny: The name for the cassowary on Kuuku Ya’u and Gudang Yadhaykenu Countries.​
• Punta:raa: Used by the Warrgamay and Yirrgandiji peoples.

Information obtained from https://www.rainforestrescue.org.au/explore-the-rainforest/save-the-cassowary/cultural-significance/

Made of material

Measures 30cm approx

Ages 3yrs+