Current:Home > MarketsFlaco, the owl that escaped from Central Park Zoo, still roaming free a year later in NYC -Core Financial Strategies
Flaco, the owl that escaped from Central Park Zoo, still roaming free a year later in NYC
View
Date:2025-04-18 16:16:15
More than a year after someone ripped his enclosure open, New York City's most popular owl Flaco is still flying free.
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.
Other owl news:Which 2024 superb owl represents the Chiefs and 49ers ahead of the Super Bowl?
Flaco surviving and thriving after escape
But more than a week later, the Wildlife Conservation Society – the non-profit organization that operates the zoo – eased up its intense efforts to re-capture the bird. Flaco's survival instincts appeared to kick in.
"Several days ago, we observed him successfully hunting, catching and consuming prey," the zoo wrote in a statement obtained by USA TODAY. "We have seen a rapid improvement in his flight skills and ability to confidently maneuver around the park. A major concern for everyone at the beginning was whether Flaco would be able to hunt and eat; that is no longer a concern."
Birders have been following his movements across Manhattan ever since, CBS News reported.
"Success against great odds. Flaco epitomizes that," bird enthusiast David Barrett told the outlet.
In the past year, Flaco has spent his days lounging in parks and on fire escapes and hooting on top of water towers at night, NPR reported. His meals have consisted of the city's abundant rats.
"He was the underdog from the start. People did not expect him to survive," Jacqueline Emery, one of several birders who document Flaco's movements told NPR. "New Yorkers especially connect to him because of his resilience."
While Flaco has survived this long, experts are still concerned he could face threats. Andrew Maas, with New York City Audubon, told CBS News, there's worry the owl could ingest poison while munching on the city's rats.
Central Park Zoo told CBS News they're "prepared to resume recovery efforts if he shows any sign of difficulty or distress."
veryGood! (87)
Related
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Enbridge Fined for Failing to Fully Inspect Pipelines After Kalamazoo Oil Spill
- Elon Musk Eyes a Clean-Energy Empire
- U.S. pedestrian deaths reach a 40-year high
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Massachusetts’ Ambitious Clean Energy Bill Jolts Offshore Wind Prospects
- Kim Kardashian Reveals the Meaningful Present She Gives Her 4 Kids Each Year on Their Birthdays
- Keystone XL Pipeline Ruling: Trump Administration Must Release Documents
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Senate 2020: In South Carolina, Graham Styles Himself as a Climate Champion, but Has Little to Show
Ranking
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Canada’s Struggling to Build Oil Pipelines, and That’s Starting to Hurt the Industry
- Proof Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's Latest Date Night Was Hella Good
- The winners from the WHO's short film fest were grim, inspiring and NSFW-ish
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Ohio man accused of killing his 3 sons indicted, could face death penalty
- The NCAA looks to weed out marijuana from its banned drug list
- In Dozens of Cities East of the Mississippi, Winter Never Really Happened
Recommendation
The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
A federal judge has blocked much of Indiana's ban on gender-affirming care for minors
Senate 2020: In Kansas, a Democratic Climate Hawk Closes in on a Republican Climate Skeptic
Hepatitis C can be cured. So why aren't more people getting treatment?
Intellectuals vs. The Internet
New abortion laws changed their lives. 8 very personal stories
The Best Deals From Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale 2023: $18 SKIMS Tops, Nike Sneakers & More 60% Off Deals
In Corporate March to Clean Energy, Utilities Not Required