Flaco, The Escaped Central Park Zoo Owl, Has Died: Officials

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — The story of Flaco, the Eurasian eagle owl who escaped the Central Park Zoo after a vandal damaged his enclosure just over a year ago, came to a tragic end Friday when zoo officials confirmed he died in an apparent collision with an Upper West Side building.

Flaco captured the hearts of Manhattan birdwatchers who came to Central Park over the past year to catch a glimpse of him. He became a social media sensation as residents posted pictures of him and regularly reported on his movements throughout the city.

Central Park Zoo officials said Flaco died when he collided with a building on West 89th Street.

"The downed owl was reported to the Wild Bird Fund by people in the building. Staff from the WBF quickly responded, retrieved the non-responsive owl and declared him dead shortly afterward," zoo officials said in a statement.

Flaco's body was taken to the Bronx Zoo for a necropsy, zoo officials said.

"We will miss you, Flaco, and we know you will be missed by the long-term birders of New York City, those inspired by your presence, and the New Yorkers you brought out to experience birding for the first time," the NYC Audubon posted on X.

Flaco was a Central Park Zoo resident until Feb. 2, 2023, when a vandal tore open his mesh enclosure. His escape prompted a weeks-long recovery effort where zoo workers tried to entice him with food and owl calls. Eventually, officials suspended the search.

Zoo staff monitored Flaco throughout the year and were prepared to recover him if he showed any sign of difficulty or distress, officials said.

In a statement, zoo officials blamed Flaco's death on the vandal who damaged his cage.

"We are still hopeful that the NYPD, which is investigating the vandalism, will ultimately make an arrest," officials said.

Following the news of Flaco's death, tributes to him poured in across social media.

"This is an immense loss. I’m so grateful for everyone who came together to witness Flaco’s incredible journey. He brought out the best in us," Ian Kwok wrote on X.

"As you may have already seen, Flaco the Eurasian eagle-owl has passed away. I am sad beyond words," David Lei wrote on X. "Flaco defied the odds and made quite a life for himself in the city over the past year. Along the way he came to mean so much to so many, including me."

According to a social media post by Manhattan Bird Alert, a temporary memorial site for Flaco will be set up at his "old favorite oak tree" on the west side of East Drive at 104th Street.

"A place to lay flowers, leave a note, or just be with others who loved Flaco," the post read.

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