Flaco, the beloved Eurasian eagle owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo over a year ago after his exhibit was found vandalized, has died.

The owl was killed in an apparent building collision on West 89th Street in Manhattan about two blocks away from Central Park, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The bird was found non-responsive outside the building and was transported to the Bronx Zoo for necropsy.

“Flaco frequently had been seen in and near Central Park and other locations across Manhattan since Feb. 2, 2023,” the WCS said. “Our staff monitored him throughout the year and were prepared to recover him if he showed any sign of difficulty or distress.” 

This is a developing story