Flaco, owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo, dies after colliding with building

Flaco, an owl that gained notoriety after escaping from his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo a year ago, has died, according to a statement released by the zoo yesterday. The bird's death was due to a collision with a building on West 89th Street in Manhattan.

On Feb. 2, 2023, Flaco, an Eurasian eagle owl, escaped from the Central Park Zoo after someone vandalized his exhibit and cut the stainless-steel mesh.

In the days following his escape, Flaco was spotted across Manhattan but attempts to recapture him were unsuccessful.

Officials were concerned that Flaco, who had been living in the zoo since he was fledgling 13 years ago, can't hunt and will starve, zoo spokesperson Max Pulsinelli said in a news release the day after his escape.

In the past year, Flaco had spent his days lounging in parks and on fire escapes and hooting on top of water towers at night, NPR reported. His meals consisted of the city's abundant rats.

Bird watchers had been following his movements across Manhattan since his escape, CBS News reported.

After news of Flaco's death was reported, many took to social media as a tribute to the famous owl that captured the nation's attention.

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Remembering Flaco: Social media reacts to death of beloved owl

A post from Flaco The Owl's X page says that a physical memorial has been set up in his honor at his favorite oak tree on the west side of East Drive at 104th Street. The post goes on to say: "Please lay flowers, leave a note, or just be with others who loved me."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flaco the owl dies in NYC a year after Central Park Zoo escape