The Central Park Zoo said that Flaco, a rare Eurasian owl known as "the most famous owl in the world," died due to a collision.
"We are saddened to report that Flaco, the Eurasian eagle owl discovered missing from the Central Park Zoo after his exhibit was vandalized just over a year ago, is dead."
The zoo issued a statement on Friday following what appears to be a collision with a building on West 89th Street in Manhattan.
People in the building reported Flaco to the Wild Bird Fund (WBF), according to the zoo.
WBF workers responded quickly, but he was not responding, and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
"Flaco's death was eventually caused by the vandal who destroyed his exhibit, endangering the bird's safety."
The statement went on to say, "We are optimistic that the NYPD, who is looking into the vandalism, will eventually make an arrest."
Flaco became a celebrity after leaving from his little Central Park home since 2010, when he returned from a North Carolina bird refuge, on February 2, 2023. He was born and raised in captivity for twelve years.