Central Park Conservancy,

Wildlife Conservation Society (Central Park Zoo),

New York City Council,

New York`s beloved Eurasian eagle-owl FLACO died on February 23, 2024 after colliding with a building on W 89th Street.

After Flaco's enclosure at the Central Park Zoo was damaged on February 2, 2023, Flaco escaped from the zoo. Efforts to recapture Flaco failed and as the only one of his kind living free in North America, the Eurasian eagle-owl survived outside captivity for more than a year. 

Flaco has become a New York icon and a symbol for resilience, strength, freedom and beauty of nature. For more than a year, Flaco made regular headlines on e.g. CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, New York Times, Washington Post, New York Post, British newspaper The Guardian, French newspaper Le Monde etc. 

His story inspired and educated thousands of New Yorkers, tourists, photographers, birders and park-goers alike – that spotted Flaco, followed his journey and appreciated the majestic animal. 

Flaco was loved and will be greatly missed! Rest In Peace!

To immortalize his unique story & to honor his life, his impact on people as well as his positive influence on raising awareness for wildlife-related topics,

We are asking you to please fund a monument for Flaco that should be erected in Central Park! 

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FLACO (March 2010 – February 2024)