Tragic Discovery: Factors Behind Flaco the Owl's Death Revealed

A recent necropsy of Flaco the owl, conducted after his untimely passing, has unveiled several distressing findings shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his demise.

The Central Park Zoo disclosed the results of the examination on Monday, offering insight into the tragic incident.

According to zoo officials, Flaco’s death was not solely attributed to the traumatic injuries sustained from colliding with a building. Rather, the owl was found to have been afflicted by two significant underlying conditions.

In addition to his physical injuries, Flaco had been exposed to four types of rat poison and had contracted a severe case of “pigeon herpesvirus” from consuming feral pigeons.

This virus triggered inflammation and extensive tissue damage in vital organs such as the spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and brain.

The debilitating effects of these conditions, coupled with the traumatic injury, ultimately proved fatal for Flaco. The zoo posited that these factors may have impaired his ability to navigate, potentially leading to the fatal collision.

Tragic Discovery: Factors Behind Flaco the Owl's Death Revealed

Furthermore, toxicology analysis revealed trace amounts of DDE, a byproduct of the pesticide DDT, in Flaco’s system. However, the zoo clarified that these levels were insignificant and did not contribute to his death.

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Flaco’s unfortunate fate began when he managed to escape from the zoo on February 2, 2023, after the steel mesh on his exhibit was tampered with. Despite extensive efforts by the zoo to recapture him, Flaco remained elusive for over a year, roaming the wilderness.

Flaco’s presence had left an indelible mark on the city, with devoted followers commemorating him with a touching memorial at his favourite tree in Central Park. Additionally, Central Park’s Wollman Rink paid tribute to the beloved bird with a special ice show in his honour.