New York City mourns the loss of Flaco, the beloved Eurasian eagle-owl who captured the hearts of residents after escaping from the Central Park Zoo. Tragically, Flaco was found dead in a Manhattan courtyard on Feb. 23, succumbing to a combination of severe medical conditions and traumatic injuries.
An initial autopsy revealed that Flaco's cause of death was trauma from crashing into a building. However, further testing uncovered alarming findings - Flaco had been exposed to four different rat poisons and was suffering from a 'severe' case of pigeon herpesvirus that had ravaged his organs.
Zoo officials emphasized that Flaco's illness and subsequent death were a result of a complex interplay of factors, including infectious disease, toxin exposures, and traumatic injuries. These findings shed light on the dangers faced by wild birds, particularly in urban environments.
Flaco's journey to freedom began when an unknown vandal cut his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo. Despite spending his entire life in captivity, Flaco adapted quickly to life in the city, showcasing his hunting skills by preying on rats in Manhattan.
However, experts expressed concerns about the risks Flaco faced in the urban landscape, including the possibility of consuming poisoned prey. In the days leading up to his death, Flaco's absence of nightly hooting raised concerns among observers, hinting at underlying health issues.
While Flaco's passing is a somber reminder of the perils faced by wildlife in urban areas, it also provides closure and understanding. The zoo officials attributed Flaco's death to the vandal who tampered with his enclosure, a crime that remains unsolved.
