Flaco the famous owl has passed away a year after escaping from his enclosure.
The beloved Eurasian eagle owl was living freely in New York City after a vandal cut his cage wires at Central Park Zoo last year.
The bird quickly became a local celebrity, with city-goers capturing his antics around New York.
Central Park Zoo confirmed his passing in a somber statement on Friday, announcing he died after colliding with a building on West 89th Street, Manhattan.
Witnesses inside the building witnessed the crash and reported it to the Wild Bird Fund, who pronounced the owl dead on the scene.
The Bronx Zoo is currently examining the bird’s body.
Since Flaco was illegally released on February 2, 2023, the Central Park Zoo has been hopeful that justice will be served and is now more resolute in its goal.
“The vandal who damaged Flaco’s exhibit jeopardized the safety of the bird and is ultimately responsible for his death,” the zoo said.
“We are still hopeful that the NYPD, which is investigating the vandalism, will ultimately make an arrest.”
The zoo made efforts to capture Flaco after his escape last year, but found he could fend for himself and decided to let him live freely.
