Hello everyone. Great to be here again! Round 268 of SMAP, or Show Me A Photo Contest hosted none other by 
The theme for this week is:
FREE THEME
As I mentioned in last week's SMAP, I visited the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, Manila Zoo for short, last month. It is the oldest zoo in Southeast Asia and second oldest in Asia. A city landmark, the Manila Zoo is home to about 96 species of animals and is a popular destination by Filipinos when in Manila, both kids and adults.
As an avid fan and supporter of the SMAP Contest, I was so excited to see the aviary section of the zoo because I knew there would be myriads of bird species that I will see and be able to photograph specifically for SMAP. Last week I featured the Palawan peacock pheasant, a bird that is endemic to one of the provinces of the Philippines and which is also showcased in the newly minted 100 Peso Polymer Banknote of the country.
This week, I would like you all to meet a feathered friend from down under, Australia.
This is the Double Wattled Cassowary. Here's what the Manila Zoo had to say about this magnificent bird.
A ratite is any member of the group of mainly flightless birds characterized by a flat breastbone (sternum) that lacks a "keel" to anchor wing muscles. Originating from the Latin ratis ("raft"), these birds, including ostriches, emus, kiwis, and cassowaries, have adapted to running rather than flying. Wikipedia
Although flightless do you know the Cassowary can run as fast as 50km/hr at a sustained rate and jump as high as 7 feet? And all through rainforest terrain? Remarkable!
Here's my entry to this Round.
And that's it for now. Until the next time. Keep safe everyone and may you all have a blessed Sunday tomorrow.
(All photos are mine.)