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It was only a matter of time until Flaco, NYC's fallen owl king, became the subject of his very own exhibit.
The beloved Eurasian eagle-owl used to fly around the city, mesmerizing locals and tourists alike, until he passed away about a year ago after crashing into an apartment building. According to the New York Times, "he had enough rat poison and pigeon virus in his system to kill him."
Since then, city dwellers have found different ways to honor the late bird and, now, they'll be able to actually look back at his life when visiting "The Year of Flaco," a new exhibit curated by Rebecca Klassen at The New-York Historical Society, scheduled to run from February 7 through June 6.
Featuring photos and videos "documenting Flaco's flight and his new life in the city, along with letters, drawings and objects left at a memorial beneath Flaco’s favorite oak tree following his death one year ago," the program will also examine "the dangers faced by birds in urban environments, legislation inspired by Flaco's legacy and practical steps for creating a safer city for wildlife," according to an official press release.
The museum will also also be acquiring a portion of the bird's memorial as part of its “History Responds” initiative, which seeks to preserve "historically significant moments as they unfold."
To drive the point home further, the Audubon's Birds of America Focus Gallery, an intimate space within The New York Historical, will mount a related installation primarily focusing on owls native to New York.
The museum is also showing "Pets and the City," a survey of the evolution of pets in this town that also includes mention of Flaco (of course!).