Flaco, the beloved Eurasian eagle-owl who captured the hearts of New Yorkers after escaping the Central Park Zoo last year, has tragically passed away after colliding with a building on the Upper West Side, the Wildlife Conservation Society announced on Friday. The 13-year-old owl, who had been on the loose in Manhattan for over a year, was found unresponsive after hitting a building on West 89th Street. Despite the efforts of the Wild Bird Fund, Flaco was declared dead shortly after the collision.

Flaco's escape from the Central Park Zoo in February 2023, after someone vandalized his exhibit, sparked a city-wide search and garnered widespread attention. The owl had become a familiar sight in Central Park, the East Village, and the Upper West Side, with bird watchers and concerned citizens frequently updating his whereabouts on social media. Despite numerous attempts to recapture him, Flaco proved to be elusive and resourceful, catching his own food and evading capture.

The Wildlife Conservation Society expressed their deep sadness over Flaco's passing, blaming the vandal who damaged his exhibit for ultimately causing his death. The society is hopeful that the NYPD, who is investigating the vandalism, will make an arrest in the case. Flaco's remains have been taken to the Bronx Zoo for a necropsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Flaco, who would have turned 14 next month, was described as "one of New York's Flyest" by Mayor Eric Adams. With a wingspan of up to 6 feet, the Eurasian eagle-owl is one of the world's largest owls, known for its nocturnal hunting habits. The Wildlife Conservation Society thanked the Wild Bird Fund for their quick response in trying to help Flaco and assured the public that further information will be provided once the necropsy and testing are completed.