An eagle owl named Flaco sits in a tree in New York's Central Park on February 6, 2023. (Seth Wenig/Associated Press)
Birds are made to fly, not to live in captivity.
MANHATTAN: The world is mourning the loss of Flaco, New York City's beloved eagle owl. After 10 years in captivity, Flaco escaped from the Central Park Zoo and survived for a year on his own against adversity. Flaco was praised for its successful adaptation to our urban environment. But what touched us most was the fact that he was free. He could fly to any place of his choice, look for food and decide his own fate.
Flaco's free existence came with risks. Still, how many birds would choose to spend their lives locked in a cage if they could live as freely as he did? My guess is nothing. Birds in captivity may have some comfort, but the experience of freedom always wins out. Flaco's death is tragic, but so is the fact that many of his fellow birds are stolen from their natural habitats or bred in captivity to be kept as pets.
Each year, millions of parrots, finches, and canaries from South America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands are sold as caged birds in the United States. Even if bred in captivity, these exotic birds are not domesticated and their unique behavioral needs remain the same as wild birds. It is not surprising that many exhibit nervous behavior, cries and destruction of feathers.
This needs to change. We have an ethical responsibility to provide the best possible care for birds already in our care. Better yet, the idea of being caged should be a thing of the past. Dennis Kelly
predator pest control
Ozone Park: If there were more owls like Flaco, New York City's rodent population would be greatly reduced. Unfortunately, that's not possible. He must have loved the food selection. Unbearable. Ray Huckinson
easiest fix
Manhattan: Daily News and Elizabeth Forell (“New York City's Pounds Fell to the Dogs” editorial, February 26), for courage and compassion in addressing the animal crisis and the disturbing failures of the New York City ACC. appreciate. City of York Government and her ASPCA. I completely agree with the author of this article. Animal care and management is a major issue for quality of life. New York City residents pay high taxes to live and work in a civilized environment. Let's start with the obvious solutions, like free or low-cost spaying/neutering. joan nobeck
outreach
Woodside: I agree with voice actress Elizabeth Forel's editorial about the worst situation in the ACC. 34 year contract? I think their jobs are stable. Maybe these unscrupulous people think so too. Maybe these unscrupulous people think so too. It shouldn't be that difficult to be at least somewhat aware of the congestion situation. It's basic biology. Cause and effect match. Many animal activists are often told to “do something for the people.” ACC should develop and publicize subsidized spay/neuter programs and educate people to more easily take steps to eliminate pet overpopulation. sheila richardson
how is she doing?
Bronx: A few months ago, the Daily News featured a story about a widow from Ukraine who was bitten on the thigh by a shark while swimming on a New York beach. Thanks to the efforts of her lifeguards, she was saved and hospitalized. I wonder how she is doing after all this time. Has her flesh grown again? Is she still in the hospital? Will she be able to walk again? I and many of my concerned readers wish her a speedy recovery. Could she do some follow up on her? Arie Barkai
observable reality
North Arlington, New Jersey: Voice actor Adam Reich criticizes me for expressing the opinion that President Biden is suffering from a severe mental breakdown, and special prosecutor Robert Hur says that Biden is an elderly man with poor memory. He cited the official's conclusions and supported them with his own examples. Interview with the president. The author argues that the special prosecutor is not qualified to make such an assumption. To that I say: You don't need to be a weather forecaster to know which way the wind is blowing. Does this writer have Havana syndrome or a problem with self-deception? armand rose
course par
Kew Gardens: It wasn't a coincidence that a Duke basketball player was nearly injured when he was nearly punched in the back by a Wake Forest fan who stormed the court after an upset win. It shows what is happening in our country today. It's no longer enough to root for your home team or vote for the candidate of your choice. The message is that you must destroy the other side. If you're not with me, you're my enemy, and these flare-ups are fanned daily by social media and our politicians for self-interest. Wake up, America. You have been brainwashed and are trapped by feelings of hatred without even realizing it. Jeff Pullen
Submit help
PARK RIDGE, NJ: Let me just say that I hope those in power in Congress do the right thing and approve funding to save Ukraine. Please don't let Russia destroy the country. steve ostlund
sacrificial soldier
Bronx: Ukraine needs to stop playing games with President Putin. Take it to him and bomb Russia as close to him as possible. There is no need to worry about the war escalating. Their people are being killed. I just read that over 80,000 Russian troops were killed. I cried. These young people are cannon fodder. Their lives have no meaning except to those they love. President Putin has a stern look on his face. He knows what it's like to be there, it's tough. So many young people were killed. julio rivera
ancient aspirations
Margate, Florida: If voice actor Scott R. Hammond wasn't completely ignorant about Judaism, then Zionism is the only source of Judaism as expressed in the Jewish Bible, also known as the Old Testament. You know it's a basic story. The people returned to Zion and became what Israel is today, and Theodor Herzl was 3,500 years old when he simply sparkled in his father's eyes. New York Times columnist Bret Stevens recently eloquently and succinctly stated: Their Levantine colony Palestine. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is one such festival of remembrance, celebrating the recovery of Jerusalem from Greek colonization in the 2nd century BC. ” Richard Sherman
subjugation plan
Darien, Conn.: Israel appears to believe that occupying the entire West Bank is the only plan that will satisfy them. Supporting this despicable and violent act creates evil feelings in my heart. Will this continuing shame end only when all Palestinians become Israeli property? Dan Singer
overlooked discussion
Albany: No coverage of last week's oral arguments at the International Court of Justice asserting the illegality of Israel's occupation? At the very least, the Daily News editorial board should not be able to address South Africa's accusations of genocide (“Genocide and the Truth”, January 11), even if they were dismissed as “slander” before they were reported. I thought it was appropriate (how wise!). It is good to parse out the salient legal arguments that Phoebe Okowa raises regarding Namibia, including the Israeli government's increasingly fanatical apartheid practices (including the unjustified use of military force). Contains what is prohibited. “It is clear from all available evidence” that these discriminatory acts were not accidental or coincidental, but were designed for the specific purpose of privileging Jewish Israelis over Palestinians. thing. The fact that the conduct in question may have other ancillary purposes, such as maintaining security, is irrelevant. It is sufficient that the primary motive is discriminatory, even if there is an auxiliary purpose. ” M. Goldman
a grateful gift
Jamaica: When I read about the $1 billion donation to make tuition free for all medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, it really brought me to tears. The hope is to allow talented students from all walks of life to study without worrying about future debt. So, I know that individual donations have been made, but I would like to join forces with Oprah, Tyler Perry, Jay-Z, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and other Black billionaires. and make a donation to HBCU Meharry School of Medicine and Howard. The university will offer free tuition forever to qualified candidates. carol grant
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