In a heartbreaking turn of events, the post-mortem necropsy report of Flaco, the famous Eurasian eagle owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo in February 2023, has revealed the cause of his untimely demise. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which oversees the zoo, released the findings on Monday, shedding light on the tragic circumstances surrounding Flaco's death.

According to the report, Flaco had high levels of rat poison in his system, likely a result of consuming prey contaminated with anticoagulant rodenticides commonly used in New York City. Additionally, Flaco had contracted a severe form of herpesvirus by feeding on feral pigeons, which had become a part of his diet. The identified herpesvirus is known to cause fatal diseases in birds of prey, including owls.

The necropsy findings confirmed that Flaco had suffered severe tissue damage and inflammation in various organs, including the spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and brain. These underlying conditions, along with the traumatic injuries sustained during his time on the loose, proved debilitating and ultimately fatal for the owl.

Zoo officials highlighted that the identified herpesvirus can be carried by healthy pigeons without causing harm but can be deadly for birds of prey like Flaco. The WCS statement emphasized that the virus had been previously found in New York City pigeons and owls. The combination of the viral infection, toxin exposures, and traumatic injuries underline the challenges faced by wild birds, especially in urban settings.

The WCS also revealed that trace amounts of DDE, a breakdown product of the pesticide DDT, were detected in Flaco's system. Although the levels were not clinically significant and did not contribute to his death, this finding serves as a reminder of the persistent legacy of DDT and its detrimental effects on wild bird populations. DDT has been banned in the United States since the 1970s.

The initial report from the WCS had indicated a substantial hemorrhage and no bone fractures, suggesting that Flaco had died after colliding with a building. However, avid bird watcher David Barrett, who closely followed Flaco's escapades and captured numerous videos and photos of the owl, believed there were underlying health issues in the bird's final days. Barrett revealed that Flaco had appeared ill or injured, and the necropsy findings confirmed his suspicions.

Flaco became a global sensation during his year-long flight of freedom after a vandal cut a hole in his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo. His survival and flying skills improved, and his territory expanded throughout Manhattan. While the investigation into his escape and the subsequent vandalism remains ongoing, the news of Flaco's tragic demise brings some closure to those who followed his captivating journey.

The WCS had initially scaled back recovery efforts when Flaco demonstrated his ability to hunt and catch prey successfully. However, his condition, unbeknownst to the zoo officials at the time, continued to deteriorate due to the underlying health issues and toxin exposures, ultimately leading to his demise.

The loss of Flaco, dubbed "the most famous owl in the world," highlights the risks faced by wild birds in urban environments and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures. The tragic circumstances surrounding Flaco's death serve as a reminder of the potential dangers they encounter and the need for wildlife preservation.