An eagle owl escaped from the zoo and settled safely in a nearby park.
US Business Insider reported on the 15th (local time) about the eagle owl ‘Flaco’, which escaped from the zoo and successfully settled in Central Park, USA.
According to an official statement from Central Park Zoo, Flacco escaped from the zoo on the 2nd through a gap in the fence that was “deliberately damaged” by someone.
Having become free, Flaco began to roam freely here and there. Flacco was also spotted sitting on the street by the New York City Police (NYPD). The NYPD failed to capture Flacco, and reported that Flacco flew towards Fifth Avenue in New York City for the last time. That evening, Flacco, who had been touring around New York City, was seen once again near Central Park.
Zoo officials expressed concern about Flaco’s ability to survive, having spent most of his life at the zoo. It was also a concern whether eagle owls, which mainly live in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, could adapt to Central Park in the United States.
However, the concerns of the zoo officials were unfounded. Flaco succeeded in hunting rabbits, rodents, and small birds that inhabit Central Park and settled down stably in the park. An official from Central Park Zoo said, “We observed Flaco’s success in hunting. “Flaco’s flight technology is improving faster than we thought.”
Central Park Zoo initially intended to recapture Flaco, but changed their plans quickly after learning that Flaco had successfully settled in Central Park. “Since Flacco appears to be happily living in Central Park, he has decided not to take any further action. Of course, we will continue to monitor Placo to prepare for potential risks in the future.”
Not only the zoo, but also New Yorkers and celebrities from all walks of life began to share via social media whether Flaco, who had become free, was staying healthy, and Flaco became the new mascot of Central Park.
Meanwhile, Central Park Zoo recalled that while it was great that Flacco successfully settled in the park, Flacco’s escape from the zoo itself was the result of a criminal act of deliberately damaging the enclosure. The NYPD continues to investigate the perpetrator who damaged the fence at Placo.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.