Flaco, a Eurasian eagle owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo, sits high in a tree branch, Feb. 12, 2023, in Central Park, New York City, New York. (Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images) NEW YORK - An owl that escaped the Central Park Zoo in New York City nearly two weeks ago remains on the loose, but officials said concerns have been eased after the bird of prey was seen successfully hunting for himself.
The Eurasian eagle owl, named Flaco, was first discovered missing on Feb. 2 after his exhibit was vandalized and the stainless steel mesh cut.
Zoo officials soon spotted the owl and continued to monitor his whereabouts and behavior around Central Park. "Several days ago, we observed him successfully hunting, catching and consuming prey," the Central Park Zoo said in a statement on Sunday. "We have seen a rapid improvement in his flight skills and ability to confidently maneuver around the park." Officials "continue to have visual contact" with a Eurasian eagle owl that was discovered missing Thursday night from the Central Park Zoo after the exhibit was vandalized, the zoo said in a statement.The zoo added that a major concern for everyone at the beginning had been whether Flaco would be able to hunt and eat on his own, and "that is no longer a concern."Zoo staff has been attempting to recapture Flaco by luring him to familiar food, but so far, officials said that hasn’t been successful and "we need to rethink our approach.""Our main concern has always been for the well-being of the eagle owl," the statement adds.