Photo from November on the LES by @vinweasel_
As you may have seen, there's a movement in place to garner public support for a statue in Central Park commemorating the recently deceased Flaco, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl.
Brandon Borror-Chappell and Mike Hubbard launched the Change.org petition this past week, noting to us that the 13-year-old Flaco's "all-too-brief story of survival, freedom, and resilience in New York City was powerful enough to warrant a commemorative monument."
Note this is simply a petition, currently with just more than 3,000 signatures, and not a fundraiser.
"We know there is an enormous distance between gathering signatures and unveiling a statue, especially in the highly protected grounds of Central Park. We will continue to push for broader public support, but also want to chart a path toward turning this into reality," they told us.
And per the petition: "There are many hurdles before such a thing might be installed, but the first step is a demonstration of public support. Please consider adding your name to this petition and sharing with anyone who might do the same."
Find the petition here.
Flaco was found dead on Feb. 23 after apparently colliding with a building on the Upper West Side, according to a statement from the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the Central Park Zoo.
This weekend, Flaco the owl was memorialized by @GovKathyHochul, @NYCMayor and the front page of the @nytimes, recognizing how much he was embraced as a New Yorker. @edkshanahan’s article is fittingly titled “New Yorkers Mourn Neighbor They Could All Look Up To.”
— David Lei (@davidlei) February 26, 2024
(Cont’d) pic.twitter.com/DRrgYVKOXG
This past November, Flaco spent eight days in the East Village and Lower East Side.
Flaco was first spotted in the East Village on Nov. 6 at the Kenkeleba House Garden off Avenue B and Third Street. He was seen multiple times over the next few days here and on the Lower East Side.
Flaco’s fans will be holding a memorial service tomorrow, Sunday March 3rd between 4-5pm for Flaco. People are bringing art, photos, music, flowers, poetry and the weather’s going to be nice, 60 degrees and clear.
ReplyDeleteThe meeting spot is at Flaco’s favorite oak tree, near East Drive/102nd St.
Do you know if the memorial remain at the park for a few days? I can't make it today but I would really love to drop off a flower to show solidarity.
DeleteGreat idea! Brandon's wife is one-time InStyle editor Laura Brown. She probably knows some people who know people and can help get the ball rolling on this. I think we should all reach out to the Central Park Conservancy and our elected officials to let them know we are for this tribute in the park. Also, I don't know if it is too late to do this, and I know they aren't asking for donations and not any money given will go directly to Change.org. But maybe ask Wild Birdfund if they would be open to receiving donations through this effort. It was the team from Wildbird Fund that tried to save Flaco after he was found.
ReplyDeleteNothing against Flaco, but if any animal deserves a statue in Central Park, it should be Pale Male, the red-tailed hawk who lived there longer than any other creature.
ReplyDeleteFlaco spent his best year as a free bird, living his life in a way not possible in a cage. A tragic ending, but also what a year of adventures he must have had.
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