Unsolved Mystery: Flaco the Owl Captivates New Yorkers
Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl, escaped from Central Park Zoo a year ago, becoming a symbol of resilience and freedom. Despite the mystery of his daring escape, he thrives in the urban wilds, captivating New Yorkers and obtaining international attention.
By Beth Snider · February 3, 2024
One year ago, a mysterious figure breached the confines of the Central Park Zoo, orchestrating the daring escape of Flaco, a majestic Eurasian eagle-owl. Since that fateful night, Flaco has become an unexpected hero, soaring across the city’s skyline and captivating the hearts of New Yorkers with his story of resilience, freedom, and an unsolved crime.
Flaco’s saga kicked off with a hole put into the fence surrounding a diminutive Central Park Zoo enclosure, akin in size to a bathroom. After spending almost 13 years in captivity, as humorously phrased by late-night host Seth Meyers, Flaco executed a daring escape reminiscent of the iconic Shawshank Redemption, a breakout from his cage that would become legendary.
Flaco’s escape has since turned him into a symbol, drawing parallels to legendary American outlaw heroes. The owl’s unexpected ability to thrive in the urban wilds has endeared him to the city’s residents, who now track his daily movements, share sightings online, and celebrate his freedom through various forms of artistic expression.
Despite the celebration, the mystery of Flaco’s escape remains unsolved - the crime took place near surveillance cameras, but authorities have kept details under wraps. Theories range from a youthful prank to an animal liberation act, with advocates suggesting that Flaco’s living conditions in captivity played a role in his release.
The Central Park Zoo, which initially sought to recapture Flaco, has faced criticism over the owl’s former living conditions. Internal emails obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed efforts to downplay Flaco’s captivity and frame the incident as a crime against the animal rather than the perpetrator.
The owl’s popularity has transcended the local scene, with international attention and social media campaigns using the hashtag #freeflaco. Artists, including muralist Calicho Arevalo, have paid tribute to the owl through various creative outlets, contributing to the growing legend of the Central Park owl fugitive.
While Flaco basks in his newfound freedom, concerns loom over the potential risks he faces in the city, including exposure to rodenticides and urban hazards. Wildlife experts caution about the hurdles that could lie ahead, speculating that the owl’s reliance on luck and instincts has seen him through his initial year of newfound freedom.