Flaco, New York’s famous escaped Eagle Owl dies after building strike
Flaco the Eurasian eagle-owl, who captivated New Yorkers after escaping from Central Park Zoo, has died.
The Eurasian Eagle Owl escaped from Central Park Zoo last February and has been living in Central Park since. He became a major attraction for both birders and non-birders.
He escaped from the zoo after a vandal broke into his enclosure and cut a hole allowing him to escape. Attempts to recapture him were abandoned after zoo officials were happy that he was able to survive in the wild around the park, feeding mainly on rats and pigeons.
The 13-year old bird was found dead after an apparent collision with a building on West 89th Street in Manhattan.
Bronx Zoo pathologists performed a necropsy on Flaco, and found that his injuries with Consistent with an Acute Traumatic Injury
Central Park Zoo officials said that they hoped whoever had cut open Flaco’s enclosure would be caught and prosecuted.
“The vandal who damaged Flaco’s exhibit jeopardised the safety of the bird and is ultimately responsible for his death,” zoo officials said in a statement.
“We are still hopeful that the NYPD which is investigating the vandalism will ultimately make an arrest.”
26 February 2024
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