Flaco, the celebrity owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo and lived in the wild for a year, died on February 23, 2024, at the age of 13. He was found on a sidewalk after apparently hitting a building on the Upper West Side. His death saddened many New Yorkers who had followed his adventures and admired his survival skills. Flaco was a Eurasian eagle-owl, one of the largest and most powerful species of owl in the world. He was not native to North America, but he adapted to the urban environment and became a symbol of freedom and resilience in the city.
The Life and Death of Beloved NYC Owl Flaco
A Year of Freedom
Flaco was born in a North Carolina bird park in 2010 and was taken to the Central Park Zoo later that year. He lived in a small enclosure with fake rocks, branches, and a painted backdrop for more than 12 years. He had never flown or hunted in his life, as he was fed by zookeepers. He was named Flaco, which means “skinny” in Spanish, because he was smaller than the average male of his species.
In February 2023, someone cut the protective netting of his enclosure and Flaco escaped. He flew out of the zoo and landed on a Fifth Avenue sidewalk, where he was spotted by a passerby. He then made his way to Central Park, where he found a home in an oak tree near the Great Lawn. He quickly learned how to hunt rats, squirrels, and pigeons, and became a regular sight for park visitors and birdwatchers. He also attracted media attention and social media followers, who nicknamed him “the Central Park owl” or “the Fifth Avenue owl”.
Flaco roamed around the park for nine months, occasionally venturing to nearby buildings and neighborhoods. He was seen perching on window ledges, rooftops, and fire escapes, sometimes staring into apartments or offices. He was also spotted flying over the streets and avenues, dodging cars and buses. He seemed to enjoy his freedom and showed no signs of wanting to return to the zoo.
Final Moments
On February 23, 2024, one year after his escape, Flaco was found dead on a sidewalk on the Upper West Side. He had apparently hit a building, possibly while chasing a prey or fleeing a predator. A necropsy revealed that he died from a traumatic impact, as he had severe internal bleeding and organ damage. He was in good physical shape, weighing 4.1 pounds, only slightly less than when he was last measured at the zoo. He had no signs of illness or poisoning, but further tests were planned to check for any infections or toxins.
The Central Park Zoo blamed the person who cut Flaco’s enclosure for his death, and said they were still working with the police to find the culprit. They also said they were saddened by the loss of Flaco, who was a beloved member of their animal family. They thanked the public for their interest and support, and asked them to respect Flaco’s memory.
Reaction to Flaco’s Death
Tributes from New Yorkers
Flaco’s death shocked and saddened many New Yorkers, who had grown fond of him and his story. People left flowers, portraits, and notes at the base of his favorite tree in Central Park, where he had spent most of his time. Some also held vigils and ceremonies to honor him and his spirit. Many expressed their condolences and gratitude to Flaco, who had brought joy and wonder to their lives. They said he was a beautiful and majestic creature, who inspired them with his courage and adaptability.
Some of Flaco’s fans also shared their personal encounters and experiences with him, recalling how they had seen him flying, hunting, or resting in the park or around the city. They said he had a unique personality and presence, and that he was curious and friendly towards humans. They also said he had a distinctive voice, and that they would miss hearing his hooting at night.
Speculations on the Cause of Death
Flaco’s death also sparked some speculations and debates on what might have caused or contributed to his fatal collision. Some suggested that he might have been sick or weak, as he had gone quiet in the days before his death. They wondered if he had contracted a disease or ingested a poison, such as rodenticide, that could have affected his vision or coordination. They also questioned if the zoo had done enough to monitor his health and well-being, and if they had tried to recapture him or provide him with medical care.
Others argued that Flaco’s death was an unfortunate accident, and that he was a healthy and strong owl who had thrived in the wild. They pointed out that he had successfully hunted and eaten on a regular basis, and that his flying skills had improved over time. They also noted that he had faced many dangers and challenges in the city, such as traffic, predators, and weather, and that he had overcome them with his intelligence and agility. They said that he had lived a full and adventurous life, and that he had died doing what he loved.
Flaco’s Legacy and Impact
Symbol of Freedom and Resilience in NYC
Flaco’s escape and survival in the city made him a symbol of freedom and resilience for many New Yorkers, especially during the pandemic and the recovery. He represented the spirit of the city, which had endured and overcome many hardships and crises. He also embodied the diversity and dynamism of the city, which welcomed and embraced people and animals from different backgrounds and origins. He showed that anything was possible in the city, and that anyone could find their place and purpose in it.
Some also saw Flaco as a symbol of nature and wildlife, which had reclaimed and enriched the urban space. He reminded them of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, which was often overlooked or neglected in the city. He also encouraged them to appreciate and protect the environment, and to coexist peacefully and respectfully with other living beings.
Social Media Fame
Flaco’s popularity and fame also extended to social media, where he had thousands of followers and fans. He had several accounts and pages dedicated to him, where people posted photos, videos, and updates of his sightings and activities. He also had hashtags and memes associated with him, such as #FlacoTheOwl, #FreeFlaco, and #Flaco2024. He was featured in many articles, podcasts, and documentaries, and was even the subject of a book and a movie deal. He became a cultural phenomenon and a celebrity, who attracted attention and admiration from around the world.
Unanswered Questions about His Escape from the Central Park Zoo
Flaco’s escape from the Central Park Zoo also raised some unanswered questions and mysteries, which intrigued and puzzled many people. The main question was who cut the netting of his enclosure, and why. The zoo and the police said they had surveillance footage and evidence, but they did not reveal any details or suspects. They said they were still investigating the case, and that they would prosecute the person responsible for Flaco’s death. Some speculated that the person might have been an animal rights activist, who wanted to free Flaco from captivity. Others wondered if the person might have been a fan or a friend of Flaco, who knew him from the zoo and wanted to help him.
Another question was how Flaco managed to adapt and survive in the city, after being raised in captivity. Some marveled at his natural instincts and abilities, which enabled him to hunt and fly in a foreign and hostile environment. Others credited his human supporters and helpers, who provided him with food, water, and shelter. Some also suggested that he might have had some guidance or assistance from other owls or birds, who taught him the skills and secrets of the wild.
Conclusion
Flaco, the beloved NYC owl who passed away at the age of 13, was a remarkable and memorable animal, who touched and inspired many people. He was a rare and magnificent owl, who escaped from the zoo and lived in the wild for a year. He was a symbol of freedom and resilience, who showed the spirit and diversity of the city. He was a social media star, who gained fame and followers from around the world. He was also a mystery, who left behind some unanswered questions and secrets. He will be missed and remembered by many, who will cherish his memory and legacy.
