'Flaco' the Owl Becomes Instant Avian Celebrity After Escaping Central Park Zoo

(Photo : by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Eurasian Eagle-owl on April 21, 2011

Local reports said that a rare Eurasian Eagle-owl escaped from Central Park Zoo after the cage was damaged.

The Eurasian Eagle-owl is known as 'Flaco.' Reports said that the rare bird is still at large as authorities try to recapture it.

According to the latest Associated Press (AP) news report, the eagle owl escaped on February 2 at the Central Park Zoo.

The Central Park Zoo is home to many unique wildlife, including the Eurasian Eagle-owl.

Finding Flaco

AP reported that Flaco managed to roam around the nearby area. The eagle was spotted on Fifth Avenue.

The report noted that Flaco has no hunting skills, as the bird flies freely. The fear is that Flaco could starve for days of failing to eat.

However, authorities discovered that Flaco returned to Central Park Zoo the next day.

Meanwhile, viewers helped to find Flaco and visited the areas where the eagle was found. Based on the report, Flaco was again spotted near the Hallett Nature Sanctuary.

Furthermore, The Guardian reported that bird watchers near the city helped to track Flaco's location so that the missing bird could be recaptured.

(Photo : by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
Central Park Zoo in New York City

Still, the authorities did not catch the bird. Meanwhile, the report noted that the zoo has not commented on the efforts or plan to recapture the bird.

According to The Guardian, director Tate Manson from the World Center for Birds of Prey explained that it would be difficult for Flaco to survive by itself.

Eurasian Eagle Owl

According to eBird, the Eurasian Eagle Owl is known as bubo bubo. They are considered one of the world's largest owls.

The Peregrine Fund explained that the said owl could weigh up to 4kg or three to nine pounds. Unlike other birds, their wings are beautiful with wings span up to five to six feet.

The Eurasian Eagle Owl is not native to the United States. The reports explained the unique owl thrives in Northern Africa, Europe and Asia.

Like other birds, the owl loves to stay in wooded habitats, including trees and farmlands.

The hunting skills of Eurasian Eagle Owls will not be as effective as their same species when they are in captivity.

Also Read: Rare Sight of Snowy Owl Spotted in Orange County Home, California

If they are in the wild, they are great and effective hunters. They are nocturnal animals, mostly staying awake at night.

According to Animalia, their lifespan can range from 20 to 60 years. The report said they are considered carnivores, hunting fish, rabbits and insects.

Animalia added that the Eurasian eagle owls are threatened by habitat loss and human activity.