Saturday saw an outpouring of tributes for Flaco, the beloved Eurasian eagle-owl, whose tale captivated New York City when he escaped from his enclosure at Central Park Zoo, taking flight across Manhattan.
Tragically, Flaco was discovered deceased on a city sidewalk on Friday night, having seemingly collided with a building. This heartbreaking conclusion deeply affected birdwatchers who meticulously documented his daily whereabouts and the countless admirers who avidly followed his journey.
Nicole Blair, a New York City artist, expressed the widespread devastation, devoting much of her X platform feed to Flaco, sharing photos and memes featuring the distinctive owl with checkerboard feathers and captivating sunset-hued eyes.
Staff from the Wild Bird Fund, a wildlife rehabilitation center, confirmed Flaco’s passing shortly after the incident. A necropsy was scheduled for Saturday to determine the exact cause of death.
David Barrett, who manages the Manhattan Bird Alert account on X and monitored Flaco’s movements, noted a change in the owl’s behavior leading up to his demise. Barrett speculated that Flaco’s subdued demeanor hinted at underlying illness, dispelling initial concerns that he had ventured elsewhere.
Flaco’s saga began over a year ago when he was liberated from his enclosure at Central Park Zoo by a vandal. Despite efforts to relocate him, Flaco became a fixture in Manhattan, captivating residents and visitors alike with his majestic presence and nocturnal activities.
The owl’s popularity soared, with sightings becoming a cherished pastime for many. Merchandise and murals featuring Flaco proliferated, cementing his status as a local icon.
However, concerns grew as Flaco ventured beyond the safety of Central Park, facing risks such as poisoned prey and urban hazards.
Blair and others voiced their dismay over Flaco’s untimely demise and called for measures to honor his memory, including proposals for a permanent statue and requests for a burial in Central Park.
In the wake of Flaco’s passing, sentiments of loss and remembrance reverberated across social media platforms, with many expressing admiration for his resilience and tenacity in navigating the complexities of city life.
As visitors paid their respects at a makeshift memorial near Flaco’s favorite oak tree in Central Park, Barrett reflected on the significance of encountering such a remarkable creature on a daily basis, underscoring Flaco’s enduring impact on the community.
