Flaco, the Famous Owl of Central Park, Dies After Colliding with Building
Escape and Freedom in the City
Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who captivated New York City for a year after escaping from the Central Park Zoo, has sadly passed away after colliding with a building in Manhattan.
Flaco’s journey began on February 2, 2023, when someone vandalized his exhibit, cutting the stainless steel mesh of his cage. The owl, born in North Carolina in 2010, had been a resident of the zoo since he was less than a year old.
A Symbol of Resilience and Inspiration
Flaco’s escape made him an instant celebrity, inspiring countless New Yorkers. He became a regular sight in the city, perched on water towers, fire escapes, and even a Central Park bench. His flight skills and hunting prowess amazed onlookers, proving that he was capable of thriving in his newfound urban environment.
Efforts to Recover Flaco
Zoo staff initially attempted to recover Flaco, but his hunting success made it increasingly difficult to lure him back to his exhibit. While some people advocated for Flaco to remain free, the zoo emphasized the risks he faced from building collisions, poisoned rats, and threats to smaller native birds.
The Tragic Collision
On February 23, 2024, Flaco’s life was cut short when he collided with a building on the Upper West Side. A necropsy performed at the Bronx Zoo revealed substantial hemorrhage under his sternum and in his body cavity around his liver. There was no evidence of head trauma or bone fractures.
Mourning and Legacy
Flaco’s death was met with widespread mourning on social media and in the city. People left flowers and pictures at a memorial tree in Central Park, where he had often roosted. David Lei, a wildlife observer, posted on Twitter, “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.”
The Dangers of Building Glass
Flaco’s death highlights the dangers that building glass poses to birds. According to NYC Audubon research, collisions with building glass kill between 90,000 and 230,000 migrating birds in New York City each year.
Efforts to Protect Birds
In response to Flaco’s death, New York lawmakers have announced a renewed push for two bird-friendly pieces of legislation. The first would reduce light pollution, while the second, the Bird Safe Buildings Act, would require new buildings to use designs that minimize bird collisions. This act has been renamed the Flaco Act in honor of the owl’s legacy.
Determining the Cause
Experts are still working to determine whether any health factors may have contributed to Flaco’s collision and death. They are examining his body for exposure to rat poison or other toxins, as well as diseases such as West Nile virus and bird flu. It is also possible that Flaco may have been ill in the days leading up to his death, as locals reported not hearing his nighttime calls.
Flaco’s Impact
Flaco’s escape and subsequent death have had a profound impact on New Yorkers. He has raised awareness about the challenges faced by wildlife in urban environments and the importance of protecting birds from building collisions. His legacy will continue to inspire efforts to make the city safer for all creatures.
