Cassowary called Elvis causes a flap during police operation in Kuranda

A photo of a semi-famous cassowary known as Elvis has gone viral after the flightless celebrity casually strolled through a Far North Queensland police traffic stop.

A photo of a semi-famous cassowary known to locals as Elvis has gone viral after the flightless celebrity casually strolled through a Far North Queensland police traffic stop.

Police were stopping motorists early in Kuranda as part of Operation Whiskey Boost when the king of the jungle made his entrance.

Senior Constable Dallas Trembath from Herberton Highway Patrol said the famous bird casually wandered through the police site at the top of the range.

“Elvis is a bit of a local celebrity out here,” Senior Constable Trembath said.

“He’s often seen in the area, but we weren’t expecting him to walk right through the middle of our operation with his girlfriend.”

Highway Patrol officers were conducting breath drug testing at the top of the Kuranda Range on May 13, when Elvis made his entrance. Picture: QPS.

The sight of the large, brightly coloured cassowary weaving between officers and vehicles left both police and motorists momentarily stunned.

“He was only a couple of metres from us, he just walked straight through, calm as anything,” Trembath said.

“We made sure to escort him safely across the road and back to his usual territory.”

While the moment brought plenty of smiles, Trembath said it also served as a timely reminder about road safety in the region.

Senior Constable Dallas Trembath from highway patrol receiving a national Police Service Medal and National Medal. Picture: QPS.

“Cassowaries can be hard to spot and their black feathers blend into the rainforest,” he said. “With our winding roads on the Tablelands, it’s important drivers remember they’re passing through cassowary habitat. We’re not just sharing the road with other drivers, but with wildlife too.”

Cassowaries are often spotted along the Palmerston Highway and the Gillies Range, and are known to appear without warning, making them a serious hazard for unsuspecting drivers.

“We’re urging motorists to take extra care, particularly early in the morning and in known cassowary zones,” he said.

As for Elvis he left the scene safely, with locals saying he’s still king of the range, strutting through like he owns the place.

Following the death of a number of cassowaries near the Saddle Mountain Rd turn off, in 2020 a Change.org petition was successful in calling for the speed limit to be reduced from 80 to 60km/h.

On Friday the Queensland Police post had been shared 2,800 times and attracted 2,300 comments.

Originally published as Cassowary called Elvis causes a flap during police operation in Kuranda