Flaco, the beloved Eurasian eagle-owl who gained fame for escaping the Central Park Zoo last year, has tragically passed away in an apparent collision with a building on the Upper West Side. The Wild Bird Fund, a local rescue group, confirmed that the incident occurred on Friday afternoon when they found Flaco unresponsive in an apartment courtyard. Initial examinations suggest that Flaco may have struck a window, although there could be another underlying cause.

Rita McMahon, the director of the Wild Bird Fund, expressed the deep connection that many had with Flaco, describing him as a "fabulous ambassador" and an inspiration through his life. Flaco had escaped the Central Park Zoo in February last year after someone tampered with the stainless steel mesh on his exhibit. Despite concerns for his well-being in the city, the owl appeared to thrive, soaring through the skies and capturing the hearts of New Yorkers.

Although Flaco had evaded attempts by local authorities to be recaptured, he was closely monitored by Central Park Zoo staff. Unfortunately, Flaco's story ended in tragedy, prompting the zoo to emphasize the risks posed to animals when their enclosures are tampered with. The beloved owl's body has been taken to the Bronx Zoo for a necropsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Flaco's untimely demise sheds light on the dangers that bird face in urban environments, with 90,000 to 230,000 birds estimated to be killed every year in New York City due to collisions with building glass, according to NYC Audubon. Despite his resilience and freedom in the city, Flaco's legacy as a symbol of hope and adaptability will live on among those who followed his journey through the bustling streets of New York.