Flaco was magic. At once an immigrant and a native, he seized his opportunity to make New York City his own. He meant so much to so many, who gathered in droves over the past year to watch him be his best Eurasian Eagle-Owl self. He was and remains a testament to the virtues of resilience and self reinvention. 

It was not Flaco’s fault that someone cut a hole in his enclosure. Drawn to the sights and sounds of the city he had only imagined for the first thirteen years of his life, he ventured out and learned why he had wings. We will all miss him (we do not speak for the rats, who surely will tell terrifying tales of his fearsome talons to future generations). 

Please consider adding your name to this petition to show the Parks and Design Commission that you, too, would love to see a statue of Flaco added to the park to commemorate his legacy - and to remind us all to keep a curious, respectful eye out for the myriad wonderful beings with whom we share this space. 

We propose a pedestal with a branch protruding and a life size Flaco statue in this pose perched upon it, located near the tree across from the compost in the northeast quadrant of the park where he roosted most often. Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments! 

There are many hurdles before such a thing might be installed, but the first step is a demonstration of public support. Please consider adding your name to this petition and sharing with anyone who might do the same. #Flacoforever

-Brandon Borror-Chappell and Mike Hubbard

• Photo credit: David Lei (@davidlei)
• NOTE: This is not a fundraiser! If you are prompted for a donation after signing, that money goes to Change.org and not the creation of this statue.