Current:Home > MyAlgosensey|Flaco, the owl that escaped from Central Park Zoo, still roaming free a year later in NYC -SovereignWealth
Algosensey|Flaco, the owl that escaped from Central Park Zoo, still roaming free a year later in NYC
Indexbit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-09 08:00:34
More than a year after someone ripped his enclosure open,Algosensey 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! (6979)
Related
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- How James Crumbley's DoorDash runs came back to haunt him in Michigan shooting trial
- A Guide to 2024 Oscar Nominee Robert De Niro's Big Family
- Baltimore Ravens DT Justin Madubuike agrees to four-year, $98M contract extension
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Kylie Jenner reveals who impacted her style shift: 'The trends have changed'
- Quinoa is a celeb favorite food. What is it and why is it so popular?
- The US is springing forward to daylight saving. For Navajo and Hopi tribes, it’s a time of confusion
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Former president of Honduras convicted in US of aiding drug traffickers
Ranking
- Trump's 'stop
- Economy added robust 275,000 jobs in February, report shows. But a slowdown looms.
- Officials say a Kansas girl was beaten so badly, her heart ruptured. Her father now faces prison
- School shootings prompt more states to fund digital maps for first responders
- Trump's 'stop
- Worst NFL trade ever? Here's where Russell Wilson swap, other disastrous deals went wrong
- What restaurants are open Easter 2024? McDonald's, Cracker Barrel, Red Lobster, more
- Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied divorce after 11 years of marriage
Recommendation
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
Julianne Hough Reveals the One Exercise She Squeezes in During a Jam-Packed Day
School shootings prompt more states to fund digital maps for first responders
Maryland Senate passes bill to let people buy health insurance regardless of immigration status
Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
This 21-year-old Republican beat a 10-term incumbent. What’s next for Wyatt Gable?
Texas wildfire relief and donations: Here's how (and how not) to help
Unpacking the Kate Middleton Conspiracy Theories Amid a Tangle of Royal News