NEW YORK (AP) — Dozens of sad admirers of Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl, gathered in New York City on Sunday to say goodbye to the beloved bird that became an inspiration and joy to many people as it flew over Manhattan after that someone let him escape from his enclosure at the zoo.
Sunday’s memorial event included speeches, songs and poems, and was held next to what organizers said was Flaco’s favorite oak tree in Central Park.
Flaco was found dead on February 23 on the city’s west side after he apparently crashed into a building. Analysis by zoologists concluded that he suffered injuries from the impact, but additional tests are planned to determine if he was ill.
His death was a heartbreaking end for bird watchers who documented his daily movements and for the many admirers who followed him in the published photographs and videos of the majestic owl with a wingspan of more than 180 centimeters (almost 6 feet) perched on tree branches, fences, fire escapes and water towers, as well as their hooting hours.
“With all these difficult times around the world, this bird really became a symbol of hope and brought many of us together,” Breanne Delgado said at the meeting.
David Lei, an avid bird watcher in the city, said it was difficult to put Flaco’s loss into words. He noted that the owl faced the same fate as many other birds in Manhattan: crashing into the deceptive windows of skyscrapers.
“Flaco was special and leaves behind a unique legacy,” Lei said. “Today I thank him, just as I did every day I was able to see him, for the joy and amazement he inspired in us throughout his journey.”
Those present at the ceremony also demanded new laws aimed at preventing birds from crashing into buildings and curbing the use of rat poison that larger birds can ingest when eating their prey. Work is also being carried out to place a statue of Flaco in Central Park.
A low fence climber freed Flaco from his cage at the Central Park Zoo a little more than a year ago. The owl had arrived at the zoo 13 years ago as a chick.
Zoo officials and fans were initially concerned about the animal’s survival, but Flaco soon demonstrated his aptitude for hunting rats and other prey. The zoo later suspended efforts to capture it after several failed attempts.
Police are still seeking to arrest the person responsible for releasing the owl from its enclosure.
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2024-03-04 01:45:41
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