Gothamist, a popular news outlet funded by sponsors and member donations, revealed the heartbreaking news of Flaco's passing. Flaco, the adventurous Eurasian eagle owl who captivated the public's attention after escaping from the Central Park Zoo, has tragically died due to a collision with a building on West 89th Street in Manhattan, as confirmed by the Wildlife Conservation Society on Friday.

Flaco's daring escape and subsequent survival in the urban jungle of New York City had made him a symbol of resilience and defiance among the city dwellers. His freedom was cut short just over a year after his escape when he collided with a building, resulting in his untimely demise. This comes shortly after another famous city bird, Rover the bald eagle, met a similar fate after being struck by a vehicle on the Henry Hudson Parkway.

The WCS expressed sorrow over Flaco’s passing, pointing to the vandalism of his enclosure as a critical factor that led to his death. The organization emphasized the importance of holding the vandals accountable for their actions, with hopes that the NYPD's investigation will result in an arrest.

As the city mourns the loss of Flaco, his story serves as a reminder of the fragility of wildlife in an urban environment. Gotham will remember Flaco as a symbol of survival and adaptability in the face of adversity.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.