Flaco, escaped owl from Central Park Zoo, is hunting on his own – proving he can survive in the wild

The bird that escaped the Central Park Zoo in New York City is hunting on its own, despite previous concerns, zoo officials said. Flaco, an Eurasian eagle owl, went missing after its exhibit was vandalized earlier this month.

Zoo officials have been monitoring the bird's behavior in Central Park. They were concerned he wouldn't be able to find food or live in the wild since he is used to captivity, but several days ago, they saw him hunting and eating prey. 

"We have seen a rapid improvement in his flight skills and ability to confidently maneuver around the park," the zoo said in a media release. "A major concern for everyone at the beginning was whether Flaco would be able to hunt and eat; that is no longer a concern."