“How could this owl, who was born in captivity, lived his whole life in a cage, how could he possibly survive? He's going to be dead in a few days. That's what everybody thought.” – Christine Mott

 

In February 2023, a Eurasian eagle-owl named Flaco made headlines—and captured hearts—when he escaped from his small enclosure at the Central Park Zoo. Born in captivity and unable to fly or hunt, Flaco defied every expectation. In just weeks, he taught himself to soar across the Manhattan skyline, hunt for his own food, and live as freely as an owl could in a city of concrete and glass. For more than a year, New Yorkers spotted him perched in Central Park, on high-rises, even outside apartment windows—cheering him on as a symbol of resilience and freedom.

Today’s guest, attorney and lifelong animal advocate Christine Mott, has immortalized Flaco’s story in her new children’s book, Free Bird: Flaco the Owl’s Dreams Take Flight. Told from Flaco’s perspective, the book celebrates courage, hope, and the right of all animals to live free—without cages or confinement—while gently encouraging young readers to see captivity through an animal’s eyes.

This conversation is about Flaco’s extraordinary journey, the lessons he left behind, and how one small owl sparked big changes for animals in New York and beyond.

 

Links:

https://lanternpm.org/book/free-bird/