Flaco The Owl Gets Exhibit At New York Historical Society

CENTRAL PARK, NY — Flaco, the beloved Eurasian eagle owl who escaped his Central Park Zoo enclosure and soared freely over New York City for a year before tragically dying last February, is going to be honored with a new exhibit at the New York Historical Society opening next month.

The exhibit, "The Year of Flaco," will be on view starting on Feb. 9, and will revisit "the remarkable journey of this resilient raptor," New York Historical Society officials said.

The exhibition will feature photos and videos documenting the majestic creature's life in the city, as well as the letters, drawings and special objects left beneath the bird's favorite oak tree in Central Park after he died.

Wait — who was Flaco?

Flaco was a regular Central Park Zoo resident until Feb. 2, 2023, when a vandal tore open his mesh enclosure.

His escape prompted a weeks-long recovery effort where zoo workers tried to entice him with food and owl calls, which didn't work.

He dodged every attempt to be caught, and eventually, officials suspended the search.

Zoo staff monitored the winged New Yorker throughout the year and were prepared to recover him if he showed any sign of difficulty or distress, officials said.

During this time, Flaco flew above city streets, peered into apartment windows, and captured the hearts of Manhattan birdwatchers who came to Central Park to catch a glimpse of him.

He became a social media sensation as residents posted pictures of him and regularly reported on his movements throughout the city.

But, on Feb. 23, 2024, Flaco sadly flew into an Upper West Side building and died from the impact, likely impaired by rat poison, which was later found in his system during a necropsy.

Curated by Rebecca Klassen, the Historical Society show will also examine the dangers birds in urban environments face, and offer ways for New Yorkers to help them live their best lives, with the help of Audubon's Birds of America Focus Gallery.

The exhibit, located at 170 Central Park West, is on view until July 6. Learn more here.

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