Residents of New York City are deeply saddened by the passing of a beloved local figure: Flaco, the owl whose escapade from the Central Park Zoo captivated the city and garnered widespread attention, has passed away. His narrative has served as a source of inspiration for many, prompting a wave of heartfelt tributes to commemorate the legacy of this remarkable avian.
Flaco, an Eurasian eagle-owl, was born in captivity at a bird park in North Carolina in 2010 and subsequently relocated to the Central Park Zoo, as reported by the New York Times.
However, in February of last year, an act of vandalism resulted in the damage of the mesh of his enclosure, leading to his escape. Soon after, Flaco was observed flying throughout Manhattan, experiencing its renowned landmarks for the first time.
Initially, concerns were raised by experts regarding Flaco’s ability to adapt to this unfamiliar environment, particularly given his lack of experience in hunting. Despite unsuccessful attempts to recapture him, Flaco demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptation. He gradually began to forage for food independently, notably preying upon the city’s abundant rat population.
Describing Flaco’s behavior, birder David Lei recounted how he would rest at a compost heap, awaken to move to a preferred perch among the trees, and then engage in hunting activities targeting rats, as documented by the Times.
Flaco garnered significant interest among community members passionate about avian life, prompting them to diligently document sightings of the owl throughout the city. His remarkable escape and subsequent resilience captivated numerous individuals, transforming Flaco into a revered figure within the local community, emblematic of liberation and independence.
Despite Manhattan’s inherent challenges as an environment for an owl and the associated risks, a consensus emerged among many that allowing Flaco to relish his newfound liberty was the most favorable course of action.
“He likely finds immense joy in his newfound freedom,” remarked Christian Cooper, esteemed host of National Geographic’s Extraordinary Birder program.
“Regrettably, Flaco, who had experienced approximately one year of freedom and garnered notable public attention, has passed away. His demise occurred following a collision with a building in the Upper West Side on February 23rd.
The initial assessment by the Wild Bird Fund suggests that Flaco collided with a window, though the presence of any underlying factors remains uncertain at this time.
We extend our appreciation to all who reached out and contributed to his rescue efforts. Alongside the entirety of New York City, we share in the profound sadness of this loss.”
The Wildlife Conservation Society has disclosed findings from the post-mortem examination, indicating significant trauma to the body, characterized by pronounced hemorrhaging beneath the sternum and in the posterior region of the body cavity surrounding the liver.
Reported by AP, Flaco was deemed to be in satisfactory health prior to his demise, maintaining a weight of 4.1 pounds, representing a marginal 2% decrease from his initial zoo departure weight. Additional investigations are planned to ascertain whether toxins or illness played a contributory role in his passing.
The passing of Flaco elicited widespread grief among New Yorkers who held an affectionate regard for him. Eulogies on social media hailed Flaco as “an emblem of freedom, optimism, and resilience.”
Expressing profound sorrow, David Lei remarked, “I am deeply saddened. Flaco defied expectations and carved out a remarkable existence in the city over the past year. Along his journey, he became deeply meaningful to many, myself included.”
While Flaco’s release ignited a sense of liberation in many, there were those who contended that New York City was an unsuitable habitat for an owl bred in captivity, and his demise was a tragic consequence of being improperly released.
Alan Drogin, a resident of the Upper West Side building where Flaco’s body was discovered, articulated this perspective to Gothamist, stating, “An animal that has been bred in captivity for the majority of its life perhaps should not be relegated to a zoo. However, if that is the reality of their existence, they ought to be provided with appropriate sanctuary. Living in the city did not afford Flaco such sanctuary.”
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) asserted in a statement, “The perpetrator who vandalized Flaco’s enclosure endangered the bird’s safety and bears ultimate responsibility for his demise. We remain hopeful that the NYPD, conducting an investigation into the vandalism, will apprehend the perpetrator.”
Flaco’s Twitter account announced the establishment of a memorial at his “beloved oak tree” on the west side of East Drive at 104th Street, urging individuals to leave flowers or notes, a request that many grieving New Yorkers honored.
A mourner, leaving roses at the memorial, expressed to the New York Times, “I believe Flaco exemplified breaking free from our constraints—the mundane, the impediments to our progress.”
Another mourner, Alfonso Lozano, reflected, “Flaco served as my solace, guiding me toward liberation. To me, Flaco epitomizes the essence of New York.”
Even prominent figures such as New York Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams offered their condolences.
ABC 7 reported that local leaders are advocating for a new bill mandating bird-friendly architectural designs and bird-safe glass in NYC buildings, proposing it be named “Flaco’s Act.”
The profound impact of one bird on numerous individuals is remarkable. Though Flaco may have departed, his memory will endure. Fly free, Flaco! Please share this narrative in tribute to this remarkable owl.
