When a Eurasian eagle owl named Flaco escaped the Central Park Zoo in February of 2023, zoo officers, avian specialists, and the general public nervous about his capacity to outlive.
Nevertheless, Flaco quickly proved that he was able to making it on his personal. The Eurasian owl had spent 13 years in captivity after being delivered to the zoo at lower than a yr previous.
Regardless of this, he quickly adjusted to life within the wild. He discovered to hunt and even grew in measurement. But, skepticism stays about Flaco’s long-term capacity to outlive within the wild.
Eurasian eagle owls, similar to Flaco, aren’t native to New York Metropolis. Certainly, the impressively massive birds aren’t present in North America, besides in captivity (or if they’re Flaco).
Wild members of this species are usually present in Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, and elements of the Arabian peninsula.
They’re one of many largest owls on the earth. Certainly, Flaco the owl’s wingspan measures a formidable six ft.
Supply: PIX11 Information/YouTube
Though Flaco has referred to as Central Park his dwelling since his escape, he not too long ago left the park and was noticed within the Decrease East Facet neighborhood. It’s theorized that Flaco was spooked by the New York Metropolis Marathon when tens of 1000’s of individuals converged on the park. Flaco has since returned to Central Park. Nevertheless, his transient foray into larger NYC prompted renewed hypothesis about whether or not the owl may survive within the wild.
Though Flaco has discovered to hunt, he runs the danger of by chance ingesting poison or being hit by a automobile. The poison used to regulate the park’s rat inhabitants might be lethal to Flaco if he ingests it.
Hypothesis has additionally elevated over whether or not Flaco will probably be capable of discover a mate. As an escaped member of his species, he will be unable to search out an owl of his personal species to mate with. Nevertheless, it’s attainable that he would be capable of hybridize with a local owl. For instance, a fantastic horned owl named Geraldine additionally resides in New York’s Central Park. It’s theoretically attainable that the 2 may mate.
Finally, Flaco’s destiny stays to be seen. Nevertheless, for now, he stays protected and at massive.
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This article by Willow Lynn was first printed by One Inexperienced Planet on 27 November 2023. Picture Credit score :Doubleclix/Shutterstock.
