Flaco the NYC owl

Flaco, was a Eurasian eagle-owl who captured the hearts of New Yorkers during his yearlong travels across Manhattan in 2023-24. He became a New York City icon after escaping from the Central Park Zoo.

Flaco’s death on February 23, 2024 highlighted the dangers faced by birds in urban environments; it also inspired legislation and practical steps for creating a safer city for wildlife.

In February 2023, a fierce but fluffy Eurasian eagle-owl named Flaco escaped from the Central Park Zoo and flew directly into the hearts of New Yorkers. Despite being raised in captivity and numerous attempts to capture him, Flaco not only learned to fly and hunt, but became a social media celebrity and, for many avid followers, a real New York success story. His death a year later prompted public discussions on making the city a safer place for birds and urban wildlife.  

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