, famous for his escape from the Central Park Zoo, had a severe pigeon virus and rat poison in his system at the time of his death last month.
"Flaco’s severe illness and death are ultimately attributed to a combination of factors—infectious disease, toxin exposures, and traumatic injuries—that underscore the hazards faced by wild birds, especially in an urban setting," a statement released by the Central Park Zoo said Monday. What happened in Flaco's final hours is top of mind for his fans across the city, who cheered him on as he defied the odds by fending for himself despite a life in captivity. Police are still seeking to arrest whoever let him out of his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo
One of Central Park's most notable residents took an unscheduled flight late Thursday, leading to an all-night standoff between zoo staff and Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl.