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More tests are being conducted to determine if there were underlying factors that may have contributed to Flaco's demise, including the potential exposures to rodenticide or other toxins, the WCS said.

The zoo officials said the vandal who, on the evening of Feb. 2, 2023, cut open the stainless steel mesh of Flaco's enclosure, enabling the owl to bolt into the wilds of the concrete jungle, is ultimately responsible for his death.

\"The vandal who damaged Flaco’s exhibit jeopardized the safety of the bird and is ultimately responsible for his death. We are still hopeful that the NYPD, which is investigating the vandalism, will ultimately make an arrest,\" the WCS said.

The New York Police Department said the investigation is ongoing, but no suspect has been identified.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged the importance of Flaco to the city that never sleeps.

\"We were saddened to hear about the passing of our neighbor Flaco, who captivated New Yorkers and reminded us of the beautiful wilderness that exists in our bustling urban landscape,\" Adams said in a social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter. \"Although he’s gone, his spirit will fly over NYC forever.\"

We were saddened to hear about the passing of our neighbor Flaco, who captivated New Yorkers and reminded us of the beautiful wilderness that exists in our bustling urban landscape.

Although he’s gone, his spirit will fly over NYC forever. https://t.co/caXSs2McoY

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) February 25, 2024

David Barrett, the creator and manager of Manhattan Bird Alert, the go-to New York bird watchers' social media site boasting more than 91,000 followers on X, told ABC News on Sunday that Flaco's death \"brought a tremendous outpouring of grief from all over the world.\"

\"Flaco was not only the world's most famous bird, but he was also the world's most loved bird -- and he was beautiful,\" said Barrett, who took thousands of photos and videos of Flaco over the past year.

\"He quickly became a symbol of freedom and resilience,\" Barrett added. \"He took us on adventures, first across Central Park and later across all Manhattan, which we shared with his many fans. Through Flaco, people learned in detail about the life of a wild owl. We had hoped that his life of freedom would stretch on for many years. We are sad that it ended so soon, but Flaco's story will live on and continue to inspire.\"

Barrett, who organized the vigil at the Central Park tree where Flaco frequently perched as he scanned a nearby compost heap for rodents, said he will remember the owl \"at the peak of his powers, on top of the world -- an owl who inspired so many as he went from living in a tiny enclosure to owning the Manhattan skyline in less than a year.\"

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