A Tribute to Flaco the Central Park Owl
Triple Book Launch
We're thrilled to announce an upcoming event at Artbook @ MoMA PS1 Bookstore celebrating a remarkable recent story of New York City. Please join us on Saturday May 24th 4pm at Artbook @ MoMA PS1 Bookstore for a tribute to Flaco the Central Park Owl. Each book will be introduced by its creators with readings and presentations followed by a conversation leading to a Q&A.
RSVP FOR THE EVENT
FLACOFOLIO
Micro-essays by poet Leonard Schwartz and assemblages by artist Heide Hatry
FLACO
Art and photo book edited by Jonathan Hollingsworth with a foreward by Carl Safina
THE BOOK OF FLACO
Nature book chronicling Flaco’s year in the city by writer David Gessner
FLACO TOTE
Flaco, which means “Skinny” in Spanish, was hatched at a North Carolina bird park in 2010, where he was named, and moved to Central Park Zoo when he was still a hatchling. Flaco was a Eurasian Eagle Owl, one of the largest and most powerful owls in the world, known for its striking orange eyes, powerful build, and deep, resonant hoot. Females can grow to a total length of 30 in, with a wingspan of 6 feet 2 inches. Flaco was held in an enclosure the size of a bus stop in the Temperate Territory part of the Central Park Zoo for 12 years. Flaco escaped on February 2, 2023, after an unknown person or persons cut open his cage. Released into the wilds of New York City, Flaco became more than a fugitive: he became a myth in motion, carving silent arcs above the skyline, roosting in Gothic towers, surviving in defiance of expert predictions. After living one year in Central Park Flaco was found dead at the base of a building having flown into a window.
Flaco’s passing deeply affected many, and his story left a significant impact. Hundreds flocked to central park to leave offerings in memorial.
This event will present three of the numerous books that have been created to honor his memory. What was it about the strange tale of Flaco that captured the attention of a city still healing from pandemic? We invite all who were touched by Flaco's story or are curious to learn more about his extraordinary journey to attend this special gathering.
