Flaco, NYC’s resilient city owl, has passed away. Editor’s Note: Mentions of Death. 

Happening in the World: On February 23, an international team of archaeologists found the complete fossil of Dinocephalosaurus orientalis. This dinosaur species was a 16-foot-long aquatic reptile from the Triassic period. The fossil dates back over 240 million years and was discovered in an ancient limestone deposit in Southern China. Now, scientists will be able to fully understand the anatomy of this prehistoric species. (BBC)

Happening in the US: On Thursday, the spacecraft Odysseus landed on the moon, marking the first time since 1972 that an American-built spacecraft made a moon landing. In this mission, NASA hopes to begin an era of economical solar system transportation. They paid a company called Intuitive Machines $118 million to build Odysseus, compared to NASA’s original estimate of at least $500 million if built directly under the organization. Odysseus was the first lunar lander built by a private company to touch down on the moon. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: On Friday night, the Wildlife Conservation Society announced that Flaco the owl is dead after colliding with a building on West 89th Street. Flaco escaped the Central Park Zoo last year after an alleged vandal damaged his mesh enclosure. Ever since residents throughout New York have seen Flaco as a symbol of resistance and enjoyed photographing and spotting the owl throughout the city. The Wildlife Conservation Society blames the vandal for Flaco’s death and hopes that the NYPD will conclude their investigation and make an arrest. (The Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: On Saturday, February 24, the Chinese Students Club will host “Lunar Gala: Year of the Dragon, a Cultural Kaleidoscope” from 7 to 10 pm. The Lunar Gala features one of Columbia’s largest and student-run fashion shows, as well as food and performances. The event will be held in Lerner Hall. More information regarding the Lunar Gala can be found here. 

Flaco with trap via Wikimedia Commons