Flaco (owl)
Owl that escaped from a New York City zoo (2010–2024) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Flaco (March 15, 2010 – February 23, 2024) was a male Eurasian eagle-owl who escaped his long-time enclosure at Central Park Zoo in New York City after someone cut the protective netting in February 2023. Flaco subsequently resided in and around Central Park. His escape attracted significant public and press attention, especially as he was of a species not native to North America. There were concerns for his ability to feed himself after being captive for so long, since he had not previously needed to fly or hunt, but he was seen successfully catching and eating rats a week after his escape. Attempts to recapture Flaco failed, and a petition circulated advocating that he remain free. Zoo officials ceased attempts to recapture him once it became clear he was eating on a regular basis and his flying skills improved.
Species | Eurasian eagle-owl |
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Sex | Male |
Hatched | (2010-03-15)March 15, 2010 Scotland Neck, North Carolina, U.S.[1] |
Died | February 23, 2024(2024-02-23) (aged 13) Upper West Side, New York City, U.S.[2] |
Known for | Escape from the Central Park Zoo |
Residence | Central Park |
Though he was able to hunt, there were lingering concerns about potential dangers in the park, like rodenticide. He remained in Central Park for nine months, eventually wandering to nearby buildings and neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan. In February 2024, one year after his escape, Flaco died after colliding with a building in Manhattan's Upper West Side.