Since February 2, the owl Grand Duke Flaco tastes freedom. He escaped from his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo, New York (United States), after an act of vandalism. A freedom which could have been fatal, since the bird launched itself into the unknown, reports CNN.
Since then, his adventures have been followed, he is watched by professionals in the zoo but not only. Many locals and tourists share photos and videos of the owl on social media.
Difficult beginnings
For the moment, the animal seems to have integrated well into its new city life. But it was a rough start, according to the executive director of the International Owl Center in Houston.
She explained to New York Times that Flaco looked stressed at the start: “Even his flight was a bit wobbly at first, like someone who’s been living in his living room for years, it took a while to build up some muscle and strength” . In captivity since 2010, the raptor had never known such large spaces.
A guarded animal
But trainers have since noticed that the animal was able to hunt prey and that it managed on its own. They thus decided not to force his capture. He will remain monitored and help will be given to him at the slightest problem, indicated the zoo in a press release, relayed by CNN. “We will post additional updates if there is a change in the status of the eagle owl or if our plan changes,” the park added.
Regarding the act of vandalism, an investigation is still underway and in the hands of the New York police, specifies the HuffPost.
