95 minutes

On February 2, 2023, Flaco — a male Eurasian eagle-owl, the largest species of owl in the world — was discovered missing from his cage at the Central Park Zoo in Manhattan. What follows when Flaco, who had lived his entire life in captivity, was released in New York City is a surprising story revealing the delight, concern, and fascination of millions in the city and beyond.

Flaco’s release from the Central Park Zoo presented a far more complicated situation than most people realized. The International Owl Center in Houston, MN hosted an expert panel webinar in 2025 to further explore the situation from all angles. Because his fame resulted in new legislation to protect owls and other birds, Flaco received the World Owl Hall of Fame’s 2026 Lady Gray’l Award at the International Festival of Owls in Houston in March, and he was featured on the festival shirt. Dutch Eurasian Eagle Owl expert and Owl Center volunteer, Marjon Savelsberg, is also featured in this film.

International Owl Center staff will lead a discussion about Flaco’s situation following the film and will have Flaco shirts and books for sale in the lobby.

The International Owl Center is the only all-owl education center in the United States, and is located just 30 minutes west of La Crosse in Houston, MN.

Relased 7/31/2026, 2026

Directed by Penny Lane

Genre: Documentary