In 1598, during a storm, the ships separated and part of the fleet landed in Mauritius. The crew members, who went in search of water and supplies, returned with several flightless birds. The island was uninhabited at the time, and the birds, knowing no danger, were not afraid of humans.
The sailors described the bird as “twice as big as swans.” They also described the meat as not very tasty, requiring very long cooking to make it edible.
