NEW YORK — It’s been two weeks since one of Central Park’s most notable residents flew out of the roost, and while Skinny the owl has at least been spotted eating, allaying concerns that it couldn’t hunt alone, it continues to elude anyone. caregivers.
The Wildlife Conservation Society issued an update Friday about the Eurasian eagle owl, which has dominated local bird headlines since someone damaged its habitat at the Central Park Zoo earlier this month and escaped. In its statement, the zoo says staff tried Thursday night to lure Flaco with bait and eagle owl songs, but the bird failed to do so.
“Although he showed some interest in the calls, the attempt was unsuccessful,” the Central Park Zoo statement said. “As we noted earlier, efforts to recover the bird have proven more difficult as it has been very successful hunting and consuming the abundant prey items in the park.”
“We will continue to monitor Flaco and his activities and will be prepared to resume recovery efforts if he shows any signs of distress or distress,” the statement added. “We will issue additional updates if there is a change in the status of the eagle owl. or our plan changes.”
Flaco’s initial escape to Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue on February 2 drew the attention of onlookers, as well as the public. NYPD. The barn owl later returned to the park, and despite earlier concerns, it now appears to be eating in the wild.
It’s still unclear who vandalized Flaco’s exhibit. That investigation is ongoing.
