"Central Park Zoo Owl Flaco's Tragic Death Linked to Bird Herpes and Rat Poison"
Flaco, the beloved owl who captivated New Yorkers, was found to have severe pigeon herpesvirus and evidence of rat poison in his system, which may have contributed to his death alongside a traumatic injury. The 13-year-old owl had adapted to city life after leaving his zoo habitat, but the combination of infectious disease, toxin exposures, and urban hazards ultimately led to his demise, highlighting the challenges faced by wild birds in an urban setting.