Flaco, the great eagle owl whose escape from the Central Park Zoo and subsequent wanderings in Manhattan drew public attention, died Friday night after apparently crashing into an Upper West Side building, officials said.
The Wildlife Conservation Society, which operates the zoo, said in a statement that Flaco was found on the ground after crashing into a building on West 89th Street.
The association said the building's residents contacted the Wild Bird Foundation, a rescue group, and staff quickly responded and rescued the bird, where it was pronounced dead shortly after.
Zoo officials took him to the Bronx Zoo, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. He was supposed to turn 14 next month.
Flaco's life as a free bird began on the night of February 2, 2023, when someone tore apart the netting of the modest enclosure in which he had lived most of his life. Police announced in January that no arrests had been made and the investigation was continuing.
“The vandals who destroyed Flaco's exhibit endangered Flaco's safety and are ultimately responsible for Flaco's death,” the Wildlife Conservation Society said in a statement. “We are hopeful that the NYPD, which is investigating the vandalism, will eventually make an arrest.”
This is a developing story. Will be updated.