Initially, Flaco was seen walking on Fifth Avenue, seemingly unable to fly but still managing to evade attempts to recapture him. Despite the best efforts of the zoo, the Wildlife Conservation Society, other rescuers using baited traps, Flaco showed remarkable savvy and independence. He ultimately found a perch in Central Park itself, defying expectations of what a zoo-born owl could achieve. The authors were among the first to track Flaco nightly, watching anxiously to see if he would adapt to his new life. Their excitement proves infectious as they recount how, against all odds, Flaco’s instincts took over: he flew across the park, hunting and exploring areas from the Lower East Side to the Upper West Side. His story captivated countless New Yorkers, uniting them in awe and admiration for this determined owl.
Flaco’s courage—choosing freedom over the safety of captivity—became a symbol of hope and resilience in the heart of the city. Stunning photography captures the thrill of spotting Flaco in the city (witness him perched on balconies, park benches, and construction equipment) while also vividly conveying the owl’s emotions, from curiosity to triumph. Emery and Lei’s narrative invites us to walk alongside them on the chase, sharing in their awe and wonder at this remarkable owl’s transformation.
Takeaway: A zoo owl’s once-in-a-lifetime adventure in New York City.
Comparable Titles: Jennifer Ackerman’s What An Owl Knows, Leigh Calvez’s The Hidden Lives of Owls.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A