FREE BIRD: Central Park Zoo will call off hunt for escaped Eurasian eagle-owl

Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo, continues to roost and hunt in Central Park on Feb. 15, 2023.
Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo, continues to roost and hunt in Central Park on Feb. 15, 2023. Photo credit Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The Central Park Zoo is calling off its attempts to recover Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl that escaped after a vandal cut his enclosure two weeks ago, officials announced Saturday.

The mesh on his enclosure was intentionally cut open on Feb. 2, allowing Flaco to fly free.

He took up roost around central park and became a favorite of New York City birdwatchers.

Police have not yet made any arrests regarding the vandalism.

Zoo staff, Parks Department workers and other municipal employees have spent weeks trying to recapture Flaco.

Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl, is spotted with a squirrel in Central Park on Feb. 15, 2023.
Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl, is spotted with a squirrel in Central Park on Feb. 15, 2023. Photo credit Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images

His success at hunting in the park has lessened the allure of bait, foiling the owl-hunters’ efforts.

Zookeepers will continue to monitor Flaco so they can intervene if he shows any signs of distress, but he’ll remain a free bird for the time being.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images