Flaco, New York City's beloved owl, dies after striking building

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8. Flaco Would Probably Still Be Alive

if he hadn't been let out of his cage.

I have very mixed emotions seeing wild animals "controlled" in an artificial setting. Flaco, when given a choice between living a long life in a cage or taking his chances in the wilds of NYC took the later. He apparently delighted a lot of folks in his new home range and managed to "teach" himself how to fly and fend for himself. I have a firm belief that most animals have some genetic aptitude for fending for themselves (unless severely injured); they don't really need to be "taught" how to live.

A shorter life of freedom is no indication of failure by this animal. Well done Flaco.