Beloved Central Park Zoo Owl Flaco Found Dead in New York City
In a tragic turn of events, Flaco, the beloved Eurasian eagle-owl that captured the hearts of New Yorkers, was found dead on a New York City sidewalk. Flaco’s story had become a feel-good tale of escape and freedom after the owl managed to break free from its Central Park Zoo enclosure and soar across Manhattan. Tributes poured in from devastated birders and legions of admirers who had been eagerly following Flaco’s daily movements.
Flaco’s untimely demise came after seemingly colliding with a building, leaving everyone who had been captivated by his journey heartbroken. Nicole Blair, a New York City artist, expressed the collective devastation, stating, “Everybody feels the same, they’re devastated.” Blair had dedicated much of her online presence to sharing photos and memes featuring the celebrity owl with his distinctive checkerboard black and brown feathers and captivating sunset-hued eyes.
Staff from the Wild Bird Fund, a wildlife rehabilitation center, confirmed Flaco’s death shortly after the collision. A necropsy was scheduled for the following day to determine the exact cause of death. David Barrett, who runs the Manhattan Bird Alert account and diligently tracked Flaco’s activities, noted that the usually vocal owl had been quieter in the days leading up to his demise. Barrett speculated that Flaco might have fallen ill, as he had not ventured far from his old neighborhood and had refrained from his usual hooting. This change in behavior raised concerns among Flaco’s dedicated followers.
Flaco’s story began over a year ago when he was inadvertently liberated from his zoo enclosure by a vandal who breached a fence and cut through a steel mesh cage. The owl had spent 13 years in captivity at the zoo since arriving as a fledgling. Following his escape, Flaco quickly became a spectacle, with numerous sightings reported throughout Manhattan. With his impressive nearly 6-foot wingspan, Flaco spent his days perched on tree branches, fence posts, and fire escapes, while his nights were filled with hooting atop water towers and hunting the city’s abundant rat population. The owl’s newfound fame led to his likeness appearing on murals and merchandise, solidifying his status as a true celebrity. Flaco even found a place on Blair’s New York City-themed Christmas tree, alongside the infamous “Pizza Rat” made famous by a viral YouTube video.
However, as Flaco ventured beyond the confines of Central Park and into more urban areas of Manhattan, concerns grew among his devoted fans. There was apprehension that he might consume a poisoned rat or meet a tragic end in traffic. The zoo pointed out that the vandal responsible for damaging Flaco’s exhibit had endangered the bird’s safety and was ultimately responsible for his demise. The zoo hoped that the ongoing investigation by the NYPD would lead to an arrest in the case.
In the wake of Flaco’s passing, his fans shared suggestions for honoring his memory. One proposal was to erect a permanent bronze statue overlooking New York City, while another suggested burying the owl’s remains in Central Park. A heartfelt post on the X platform captured the sentiment of many, describing Flaco as a “typical New Yorker” who was fiercely independent and constantly exploring to overcome challenges. The owl’s absence would undoubtedly be felt by all those who had been touched by his presence.
Visitors began flocking to a temporary memorial at Flaco’s favorite oak tree in Central Park to pay their respects, leaving flowers and sharing memories. David Barrett emphasized the significance of witnessing an owl like Flaco consistently over time, stating, “Seeing an owl at all is special. Seeing an owl well, consistently day after day, that’s quite a special thing. And that’s something Flaco delivered.”
Flaco’s story may have come to a tragic end, but his legacy as a symbol of resilience and independence will live on in the hearts of New Yorkers. The city mourns the loss of its beloved owl, reminding us all of the preciousness of life and the impact one creature can have on an entire community.
