Flaco, the Eurasian eagle owl that was set free from the Central Park Zoo by vandals in 2023, has reportedly died from a building collision. The upsetting news comes just days after the death of NYC’s beloved bald eagle Rover.
According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, building residents reported Flaco’s accident to the Wild Bird Fund (WBF). The WBF arrived on site and found the owl unresponsive. They declared him dead shortly thereafter. Zoo staff were notified and came to take Flaco to the Bronx Zoo for a necropsy.
Flaco was just 13 years old upon death. Eurasian eagle owls can survive up to 20 years in the wild and 60 in captivity.
One year after Flaco was set free, the vandals who released him are still unknown to the public.
“The vandal who damaged Flaco’s exhibit jeopardized the safety of the bird and is ultimately responsible for his death. We are still hopeful that the NYPD, which is investigating the vandalism, will ultimately make an arrest,” said the Central Park Zoo in a statement. “We appreciate all the support and concern over the well-being of Flaco throughout the past year and the many people who contacted us with updates. We especially appreciate the quick response by the staff of the Wild Bird Fund in their attempt to help Flaco.”
Though he was flying freely for the past year, Central Park Zoo had been monitoring him the entire time, ready to come to his aid if in distress.
Central Park Zoo will release more information following the results of additional testing and Flaco’s necropsy.