New York City mourns the loss of its beloved owl, Falco.

Photo: Manhattan Bird Alert

Flaco, the solitary Eurasian eagle-owl residing in the wilds of North America, met a tragic end on Friday after colliding with a building in Manhattan. His escape from the Central Park Zoo last year, resulting from an act of vandalism on his enclosure, marked the beginning of a series of events leading to his untimely demise. The Wild Bird Fund (WBF) discovered Flaco's lifeless body at the accident site and promptly informed the zoo.

Subsequently, the zoo retrieved Flaco's remains and transported them to the Bronx Zoo for a comprehensive necropsy. In a poignant statement, the zoo pointed fingers at the vandal, emphasizing that the damage inflicted on Flaco's exhibit had endangered the bird's safety, ultimately contributing to his demise.

Flaco's journey began in 2010 when he was rescued by the zoo as a young owl. After spending 13 years as an exhibit, he managed to escape and surprised everyone by showcasing remarkable survival skills in the wild. Despite initial concerns about his ability to thrive outside captivity, Flaco demonstrated adept hunting and flying capabilities.

Efforts to recapture Flaco proved challenging, as he resisted bait and calls from the zoo. After a few weeks, the zoo abandoned capture attempts but remained vigilant, expressing readiness to assist him if needed. Flaco predominantly roamed around Central Park, occasionally exploring other parts of the city, sparking admiration for his beauty and majesty among onlookers.

The zoo expressed gratitude for the support received throughout the past year and acknowledged the swift response of the Wild Bird Fund in attempting to aid Flaco during the unfortunate incident.

News of Flaco's death triggered an outpouring of grief and appreciation on social media platforms. Users on X (formerly known as Twitter) shared their condolences and fond memories of Flaco's remarkable journey. Some suggested demolishing the building where the tragic collision occurred.

Flaco, with a wingspan of about 6 feet (1.8 meters), was a notable presence in the city. A study by ornithologist Stephen Ambrose in 2020 proposed that city lights could potentially blind owls, leading to collisions with buildings—an insight that adds a layer of understanding to Flaco's unfortunate fate.

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